Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf ecstatic at approval of development of new stadium - NFL News
The approval of state subsidy for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium at the site of the Metrodome led to jubilant scenes among fans gathered outside.
That excitement carried over to franchise owners Mark and Zygi Wilf who have lobbied for the development of a new stadium for decades and when it finally came to fruition following Thursday’s Senate vote, the Wilf’s could not contain their excitement at
finally having their wish granted.
The Minnesota state Senate on Thursday, approved a slightly amended bill by a close 36-30 vote.
According to details of the bill, Minnesota Vikings will have to stump up an extra $ 50 million for the construction costs taking their total contribution up to $ 477 million while the rest would be made up by the state and the city council.
Talking to media at a press conference after the passing of the vote Zygi Wilf said.
“We're here to stay,”
He continued further by saying.
“We knew from day one that we were going to fight to ensure that this day would come. Our commitment to having Viking football here for generations was always the overriding factor.”
The owners always planned to keep the franchise in Minnesota even though Los Angeles among many other cities tried to woo the Vikings over.
Even after facing months of frustration with the lawmakers foot-dragging over approval of the bill the Wilf’s never had threatened to move the team even though it was the biggest leverage they held to speed up the process.
Their patience though was rewarded on Thursday and Mark Wilf promised to Vikings fans that the new stadium will be something that every Minnesota fan will be proud of for years to come.
“This will be truly special. As hard as we've worked for this day, we will commit going forward that this will be first class and special, and something that all Minnesotans can be truly proud of.”
The Vikings will sign a 30-year lease on the new stadium that is expected to be completed by 2016.
Now the only task left for the franchise is to build a winning team that can challenge for the Super Bowl.
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