Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
St. Paul (AP)

Pawlenty throws cold water on latest Vikings idea

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Pawlenty said a seven-county sales tax increase for stadium construction "isn't going to fly."

"The Vikings have themselves in a real pickle," Pawlenty said.

Word that the Vikings were exploring a broad tax surfaced over the weekend. At least one top legislator said the Vikings have scheduled a meeting with him for this week.

Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said the sales tax idea isn't the only one the team was considering. Bagley said he understands Pawlenty's cool reaction to the metro tax.

"At some point he is going to have to help us find a solution to this longstanding issue," Bagley said. "He has long told our ownership that he wants to work with us to solve the Vikings stadium problem to keep us healthy and in this state."

The franchise had been pursuing legislative support for an Anoka County stadium. But the team's relationship with Anoka leaders broke down late last year. Owner Zygi Wilf is now looking at building on the site of the Metrodome.

The stadium could cost as much as $900 million to build, but the team hasn't settled on a financing plan.

Last year, the Legislature authorized new stadiums for the University of Minnesota football team and the Minnesota Twins baseball team. The Twins plan is being paid for mostly through a higher Hennepin County sales tax.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)