Minnesota Vikings send in stars to lobby lawmakers to pass stadium bill - NFL News
The Minnesota Vikings are going all in with their push for approval of state funding for a new $ 975 million stadium in downtown Minneapolis as they sent some of their biggest stars to lobby the lawmakers.
The Vikings new stadium bill is currently doing rounds of multiple committees for approval and the franchise is taking no risks in making sure that the bill passes.
Star running back, Adrian Peterson, linebacker Chad Greenway and Centre John Sullivan arrived at the State Capitol building and mixed with the lawmakers who are currently debating the bill.
The Vikings quest for a new stadium seems to be almost coming to an end as a State house committee had earlier passed the bill and now the law will go to other committees for further approval.
Peterson talking to reporters said.
"It's a team effort. We're just showing our support. Legislators, those guys are really pushing to pass this bill. They have tough decisions to make and discussions to have. We're just here to let these guys know that we support them."
The Vikings have lobbied for years for a new stadium to replace their current home at the Metrodome as they argue that revenues from the Metrodome are not enough to help the franchise keep pace with their rivals.
The franchise’s lease of the Metrodome came to an end this year but the Vikings are slated to play the 2012-13 season at the stadium.
Most of the lawmakers at the State Capitol building seemed pleased with the arrival of the players and enjoyed their company.
Republican Party Senator Jeremy Miller said about the visit from the players.
"We're excited to watch you guys this year and we'll keep pushing your efforts forward here and hopefully we'll come up with a solution that works for everybody,"
However, Democratic Senator Alice Hausman was not impressed and said.
"This is so disgusting I can't stand it,"
The Vikings players interacted for almost 30-minutes with the Senators and it seems that their efforts might bear fruit in the coming days as the bill is likely to pass.
The state will provide almost $ 400 million for the construction of the stadium while the franchise will have to privately fund the remaining $ 427 million.
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