NFL says Minnesota Vikings out of options with rejection of stadium bill - NFL News
After Minnesota State lawmakers on Monday rejected a bill to partially fund a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings the National Football League (NFL) has also entered the fray and on Wednesday the league warned Minnesota governor, Mark Dayton of repercussions
with the rejection of the bill.
NFL executive, Eric Grubman, has said that the rejection of the bill may lead the Vikings to move out of the state and find another city for its operations.
The bill has its fair share of critics in the house committee as it asks the Minnesota state to subsidise the development of a $975 million stadium but house representatives are not in favour of providing tax-payer money to what they feel is a project
that the Vikings billionaire owners can afford easily.
The league executive feels that Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf are greatly disappointed with the repeated stalling and rejection of their plans to build a new stadium in Minnesota.
He also said that because of the state dragging its foot over the issue it is likely that the franchise may take a big decision over its future.
The Vikings have struggled to convince lawmakers over the years to fund a part of a new stadium’s cost.
With the rejection of the bill, options for the franchise are running low and even though the Wilf’s have not said it, it is likely that they will now seriously consider the option to move the franchise out of Minnesota or sell it.
The franchise have been looking to develop a new stadium for years as the revenues from their current home at the Metrodome are insufficient for the franchise to keep pace with their league rivals.
They have given multiple proposals for the location of the new stadium but had settled for a spot in downtown Minneapolis which will cost a total of $975 million to build.
The Vikings lease of the Metrodome has expired and even though the franchise will play the 2012-13 season at the stadium they are not likely to renew the lease.
If a deal over a new stadium cannot be reached it is likely that the franchise will consider moving out most likely to Los Angeles as the city has been trying to get a NFL franchise for years.
Tags: