Thread: Wilfy working hard for a New stadium ....

As long as they stay in the state of Minnesota, I don't care. Shit, I don't care if they're up in International Falls.

A new stadium(outdoors) would just rock.

[size=18px]Vikings ponder whether to let go of roof idea[/size]

Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune
Last update: November 29, 2005 at 10:08 PM

As the expiration of their stadium agreement draws closer, the Vikings and representatives of Anoka County are discussing whether to drop their request for $115 million in state money by eliminating plans for a retractable roof.

While still in a conceptual phase, the change would bring the project to a political match with the Minnesota Twins' ballpark proposal. Like the Twins, the Vikings could begin construction upon approval from the Legislature to bypass a referendum for a new Anoka County sales tax.

Costs for the $560 million open-air stadium in Blaine would be split equally by the Vikings and the county. About $95 million of the Vikings' contribution would come from an NFL loan; Anoka County would generate its financing from a 0.75 percent county sales tax.

"It's a plausible scenario," said Lester Bagley, Vikings vice president of public affairs and stadium development. "If the bills come up next session, and the Twins want nothing but an endorsement and we want an endorsement plus state money for a roof, then our deal is harder to do. [Owner] Zygi Wilf has made clear his preference is to have an open-air stadium. The political situation might make that more conducive."

The Vikings' deal with Anoka County, announced Sept. 20 and geared toward a potential special session of the Legislature, will expire Dec. 31. It represented a compromise between Wilf's vision of an open-air stadium and Anoka County's hopes for a fixed roof that it believes would make the facility a year-round sports venue.

Steve Novak, the county's stadium project manager, said Tuesday local leaders still prefer a fixed roof but believe the state should shoulder the costs because it will benefit from the events a domed stadium would attract.

"We need some sort of state participation to pay for a roof," Novak said. "Right now we don't have that. If that were to continue, that will raise other issues down the road. We would deal with those then. Hopefully, the state will come to its senses and we won't have to worry about that."

A roof -- fixed or retractable -- has long been considered a way to enhance the value of a new NFL stadium. Wilf, however, believes an open-air stadium would draw the franchise closer to its historic roots and also provide a long-term competitive advantage.

Bagley said Wilf, after touring outdoor stadiums in Seattle, Green Bay and other NFL cities, is considering alternative ways to make the stadium a year-round destination -- including an atrium with restaurants and retail outlets, similar to Green Bay's Lambeau Field.

"We respect the agreement we have with Anoka County," Bagley said. "Zygi has a strong personal opinion on the roof, but he also knows he has a partner that wants to put real money into the project. But with the agreement expiring at the end of the year, there may be room to explore other options."

Etc.

• Cornerback Fred Smoot will sit out Sunday's game at Detroit, coach Mike Tice said Tuesday after reviewing the results of a CT scan performed Monday on Smoot's fractured right collarbone. Smoot, who returned to practice last week, is at least another week away from playing.

• Hall of Fame defensive lineman Carl Eller and former running back Chuck Foreman will accompany the Vikings to Detroit this weekend as part of Wilf's new alumni program.

I think a retractable is still the way to go.

The extra money up front will get a quicker payback with revenue gained from being able to use the stadium year around for other events.

You just can't predict rain that far in advance to be able to schedule events that would have to be canceled due to inclimate weather.

In today's Star Trib there's an article about a future Vikings stadium and the decision to have a retractable roof or no roof.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/5754022.html

The article quotes that "Zygi Wilf has made clear his preference is to have an open-air stadium." I have to agree...

I think that having an open air stadium helps a team in the long run. The Viking's 4 trips to the Super Bowl were all as an open stadium team. Much has been made of the Patriots home field advantage, especially late in the season.

Having a retractable roof is no different that a permanent roof because it will be closed during bad weather, so what's the point?

On the other hand, fans may not be as willing to show up to the game during bad weather. Is that the case?

Since I don't live in Minn. and can't attend games I don't know what the local fan thinks about this. So, what do you guys think?

Thanks in advance. :grin:

Retractable would be sweet, but then again, I don't live there.

I think many teams play in cold weather (Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Green Bay, etc.). Why not us ? I remember in the 1970s, in the playoffs, we would play Dallas or the Rams, and they just didn't want to play in such cold weather. It was a great home field advantage.

... on the other hand, it is a bit tough on the fans...

Wilf REALLY wants no roof, retractable or otherwise...and he may get his wish if it comes down to money. Anoka County is the partner in this venture that is pushing for the roof, because they want to use it year-round for multiple events besides football. It is a slippery slope...more use but more expensive, less use but less expensive...you get what you pay for, I guess!

I would like to see the retractable roof, but that is just my practical nature coming through. I would be cool with an open-air stadium if that is what it would take to resolve the stadium issue, though. It's not like I will be going their for the vast majority of the games anyway, seeing as I live far outside the state.

I would love to have a retractable, but if it comes down to it, I'd like no roof...somethin bout playing out doors I just love.

"WilliamsonOfTroy" wrote:

I would love to have a retractable, but if it comes down to it, I'd like no roof...somethin bout playing out doors I just love.

When's the last time your a$$ has been out of FL and in MN in late Dec.??? lol

It has to be retactable or dont even build the damn thing.

[size=18px]Build it and they will come![/size]

with or without the roof