State Senate passes bill to approve funding for new Minnesota Vikings stadium - NFL News
The time is here for Minnesota Vikings fans to celebrate as the state Senate on Thursday finally approved a bill to provide state subsidy for a brand new Minnesota Vikings stadium.
Lawmakers approved the bill after a close 36-30 vote in favour of the new stadium with the final version of the bill asking the franchise to stump up a further $ 50 million more towards the cost of the $ 975 million stadium.
Scenes of jubilation were witnessed after the Senate vote with fans waiting in the gallery of the state capitol singing the Vikings fight song after the passing of the bill.
The ecstasy at finally having the bill approved was not limited to fans as the franchise’s vice president, Lester Bagley, was particularly pleased with the outcome and shouted.
"Let's build it!"
There were some tense moments leading up to the vote as opponents of the bill tried their best to block the bill.
Opponents of the new stadium are unhappy with the funding for the stadium as the bill calls for an expansion of gambling.
Lawmakers opposed to the bill contend that gambling revenues are not guaranteed and are not a reliable source of income, however, they could not muster the necessary votes needed to block the passing of the bill.
Senator, Scott Newman was not too pleased with the passing of the bill.
"I know it happens across the nation, but it saddens me to think that our citizens believe that this is a wise expenditure of tax money,"
However, his complaints were drowned in a sea of celebration by bill supporters.
Senator David Tomassoni said after voting yes on the measure.
"We've scored a touchdown, and it's a touchdown for the state of Minnesota and it's a touchdown for the Vikings fans,"
The new stadium will be built by 2016 with the Vikings putting up $ 477 million towards the cost, the state will pay around $ 348 million while $ 150 million will be paid by the city council.
Minnesota Vikings have been lobbying for a new home for decades but it was only in this year that they had the leverage to really push for a new stadium.
Governor, Mark Dayton is expected to sign the bill into law very soon and complete all formalities required by the law before construction begins.
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