Developers ask Vikings to consider Shakopee

**COJOMAY** · 06-09-2006, 05:18 PM

[size=18px]Developers ask Vikings to consider Shakopee as a site for stadium[/size]
By Shannon Fiecke
Staff Writer

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

The Minnesota Vikings are considering Shakopee as a possible stadium home should the proposed stadium in Blaine not work out.

Lester Bagley, vice president of public affairs and stadium development, said Wednesday the Vikings are in the "earliest stages" of discussions with real-estate developers about a site in Shakopee.

He wouldn't say who the developers are or where the site is, but said the location appears workable. Any successful proposal, he said, would require local and political support and financial partnership.
Previously, developers considered a site near Canterbury Park for a stadium home for the Minnesota Twins.

Bagley said the Vikings still have a solid partnership with Anoka County for a stadium in Blaine, but had to consider alternatives after the stadium plan failed in the state Legislature.

The Vikings are continuing to work out key issues with Anoka County as the organization considers alternatives, he said.

"Right now, that's the one and only proposal that's viable," he said.

Bagley said numerous communities have approached the Vikings, but Shakopee is one of two or three locations the Vikings organization is exploring further.

He said a stadium can serve as a commercial anchor for a community and bring significant economic development, as is proposed in Blaine.

That proposal leverages private investment for restaurants, retail shops, corporate offices and the like, he said.

"The Vikings proposal goes far beyond 10 football games a year," he said. "It includes a broad economic development package.

http://www.shakopeenews.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=8515&Sectio nID=2&SubSectionID=2

**cajunvike** · 06-09-2006, 05:29 PM

Shock would probably LOVE that option!

The positive is that the airport is alot closer than it is to Anoka County!

**Bdubya** · 06-09-2006, 05:31 PM

I don't care where it is, just give them a stadium!

**twill** · 06-09-2006, 05:52 PM

i dont care where it is either.. just let me get a new stadium!

**cajunvike** · 06-09-2006, 07:54 PM

What say you, Mighty Shock?

**DarrinNelsonguy** · 06-09-2006, 07:57 PM

It would be a great addition out there near Cantabury Park!

**sunny** · 06-09-2006, 08:51 PM

Build it in Blaine! Shakoppe is a mess for driving around in. With ValleyFair, the Zoo, Canabury, and the Renasaunse Festivle all down there. Or it could just be that the Northern suburbs are closer to ME :grin:

**AngloVike** · 06-09-2006, 09:14 PM

"cajunvike" wrote:

Shock would probably LOVE that option!

The positive is that the airport is alot closer than it is to Anoka County!

sounds like a great spot for the pre-game tailgate - everyone to Shock's ! :cheers:

**COJOMAY** · 06-09-2006, 09:15 PM

"The Vikings proposal goes far beyond 10 football games a year," he said. "It includes a broad economic development package

This is what the state legislature fails to realize. They still think it's just a stadium.

**cajunvike** · 06-09-2006, 09:17 PM

"sunny" wrote:

Build it in Blaine! Shakoppe is a mess for driving around in. With ValleyFair, the Zoo, Canabury, and the Renasaunse Festivle all down there. Or it could just be that the Northern suburbs are closer to ME :grin:

Just the kind of selfless attitude that will get things done....oops, I meant to say selfish!!! :razz: