Gambling to finance a stadium for the Vikings?

**Garland Greene** · 03-05-2009, 04:41 PM

[size=13pt]Gambling to finance a stadium for the Vikings?[/size]

A bill introduced today would leave it up to voters whether to authorize a metro-area casino to finance a Vikings stadium.

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: March 5, 2009 - 4:12 PM

When gambling, if at first you don't succeed, you can always try again.

With that logic, Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, introduced a bill today that would open the door to a new casino in the metro area that would pay for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Hackbarth sponsored a similar bill in 2004, but it went nowhere. And although Tim Pawlenty has had mixed reactions to gambling expansion proposals in the past, spokesman Brian McClung said today that the governor "has said that he isn't interested in gaming. "

The bill would place a constitutional amendment on the 2010 general election ballot that would allow the state to issue a 30-year license to operate a casino somewhere in the Twin Cities metro area.

**bleedpurple** · 03-05-2009, 04:45 PM

"Garland" wrote:

[size=13pt]Gambling to finance a stadium for the Vikings?[/size]

A bill introduced today would leave it up to voters whether to authorize a metro-area casino to finance a Vikings stadium.

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: March 5, 2009 - 4:12 PM

When gambling, if at first you don't succeed, you can always try again.

With that logic, Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, introduced a bill today that would open the door to a new casino in the metro area that would pay for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Hackbarth sponsored a similar bill in 2004, but it went nowhere. And although Tim Pawlenty has had mixed reactions to gambling expansion proposals in the past, spokesman Brian McClung said today that the governor "has said that he isn't interested in gaming. "

The bill would place a constitutional amendment on the 2010 general election ballot that would allow the state to issue a 30-year license to operate a casino somewhere in the Twin Cities metro area.

So basically if they vote down this bill that would basically say that ppl want the vikes to move to LA.... I'm not sure how i feel about our chances of staying minnesota hindging on some gambling bill....

**Bretto007** · 03-05-2009, 04:52 PM

If the money actually went to building a stadium... then yes do it plz.

**Vikes_King** · 03-05-2009, 04:59 PM

"Bretto007" wrote:

If the money actually went to building a stadium... then yes do it plz.

+1

SOMETHING needs to get done, I don't know if the state just doesn't realize their time is running out.
They've lost the North Stars and Lakers, maybe they just think they'd get a new team.
The Vikings are the state's most popular franchise.... this shit is stupid

**BadlandsVikings** · 03-05-2009, 05:07 PM

"bleedpurple" wrote:

"Garland" wrote:

[size=13pt]Gambling to finance a stadium for the Vikings?[/size]

A bill introduced today would leave it up to voters whether to authorize a metro-area casino to finance a Vikings stadium.

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: March 5, 2009 - 4:12 PM

When gambling, if at first you don't succeed, you can always try again.

With that logic, Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, introduced a bill today that would open the door to a new casino in the metro area that would pay for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

Hackbarth sponsored a similar bill in 2004, but it went nowhere. And although Tim Pawlenty has had mixed reactions to gambling expansion proposals in the past, spokesman Brian McClung said today that the governor "has said that he isn't interested in gaming. "

The bill would place a constitutional amendment on the 2010 general election ballot that would allow the state to issue a 30-year license to operate a casino somewhere in the Twin Cities metro area.

So basically if they vote down this bill that would basically say that ppl want the vikes to move to LA.... I'm not sure how i feel about our chances of staying minnesota hindging on some gambling bill....

It says the the people of Minnesota hate the Vikings

**Garland Greene** · 03-05-2009, 05:21 PM

To sell it they would have to say The Vikings stadium and include other thinsg as well that would be paid for.

**Purple Floyd** · 03-05-2009, 05:25 PM

What a novel idea. I would have never thought of that one ;D

**midgensa** · 03-05-2009, 05:27 PM

There is no way that bill would pass if the funds were used solely to build the Vikes a stadium ... BUT ... if the make the stadium an earmark and also have the funds go to a ton of other things (schools, lower taxes, roads, etc.) then it becomes more sellable to the public and the state government.
I don't like it's chances because gambling bills are a) failing nationwide and b) not providing strong upside when they do pass (just look up the slots bill in Maryland that passed and see how everyone is wishing they could change their mind now).
It is simple ... to get a stadium ... the PEOPLE are going to have to agree to fund a large part of it. And right now the people do not have money and do not seem interested in picking up the the tab. I think the Vikings future in Minnesota gets bleaker by the day.

**PurpleTide** · 03-05-2009, 05:31 PM

"Vikes_King" wrote:

"Bretto007" wrote:

If the money actually went to building a stadium... then yes do it plz.

+1

SOMETHING needs to get done, I don't know if the state just doesn't realize their time is running out.
They've lost the North Stars and Lakers, maybe they just think they'd get a new team.
The Vikings are the state's most popular franchise.... this pooh is stupid

Build a casino and the people will come and gamble, tax em' for amongst other things a new stadium. A simple solution that benefits many.

**Purple Floyd** · 03-05-2009, 05:36 PM

As I have said many times the stadium itself should be a Casino. Not one that takes sports bets, but one that has slots, video poker, etc.

In fact, IMO the back of every seat should have a video poker touch screen so fans have something interesting to do when the KAO is on the field. That would be great.