Vikings' stadium plan reaches Capitol
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(AP) Backers of a retractable-roof stadium for the Minnesota Vikings showed off full-color drawings of their dream Friday - without saying how much state money they want.
That prompted some skepticism during a hearing before the Senate Taxes Committee.
"The immediate concern that comes to my mind is, oh here we go again," said Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove. "I'm just speaking on behalf of the taxpayers."
The football team has sought state help for a stadium in past sessions but hasn't pushed a financing plan this year. Lawmakers funded a University of Minnesota football stadium and authorized a small sales tax increase in Hennepin County for a Twins ballpark last year.
Officials from the team and the Metrodome's owner said they want to draw legislators into a discussion about a proposed $954 million development project around the current Metrodome site, including a new multipurpose football stadium. The Vikings' Metrodome lease expires in 2011.
"Let's sit down together and talk about what the future is," said Roy Terwilliger, who heads the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which owns the Metrodome.
Committee Chairman Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said he wanted the Legislature to be involved in the discussion but that doesn't guarantee lawmakers will put up state money.
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