NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to meet with Minnesota governor over Vikings stadium impasse - NFL News
The uncertainty surrounding Minnesota Vikings future in the state has increased considerably after lawmakers voted against a bill to approve partial state funding for a new $975 million stadium for the franchise in downtown Minneapolis.
The bill which was rejected by 9-6 by a House Committee on Monday has frustrated the Vikings ownership who have continuously lobbied for years for a new stadium to improve revenues.
The situation has led the National Football League (NFL) to take notice of the situation and commissioner, Roger Goodell will visit the state lawmakers and governor, Mark Dayton on Friday to discuss the stadium bill.
Goodell will ask the lawmakers to approve the stadium bill to ensure that the franchise remains in Minnesota.
Governor, Mark Dayton has consistently urged lawmakers to approve the bill and once again warned them on Thursday.
"If it isn't passed this session, the league itself -- beyond the Vikings -- the league itself has serious concerns about the viability of the franchise here and the future of it here.”
The Vikings have for many years lobbied for the building of a new stadium as they argue that revenues generated from their current home at the Metrodome are not enough for the franchise to keep pace with their rivals.
However, with the continued stalling on approving funding for the stadium by the Minnesota lawmakers it is now more likely that the franchise will not remain in Minnesota after the 2012-13 season.
A likely destination for the Vikings remains Los Angeles which has the second largest market and has not had a NFL franchise in the city since 1995.
It is now important that the state lawmakers try their best to approve a deal soon since if they don’t the Vikings will have no choice but to move out.
Eric Grubman a league executive said that owners Mark and Zygi Wilf will be open to selling the franchise if the stadium bill does not go ahead soon.
"In order to buy, there has to be a willing seller. It's very hard to find owners who are willing to sell. The Wilfs, I don't believe they've ever been open-minded to selling. If this fails to get out of committee, then I think they'd be open-minded."
Vikings fans are uncertain about their team’s future and it is now up to the league, the franchise and state lawmakers to make sure that the franchise continues to call Minnesota it’s home in the future.
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