Vikings fans rally for new stadium
A few dozen Minnesota Vikings fans gathered on the steps of the State Capitol Thursday to show their support for the team and a new stadium.
About 50 people, many dressed in Vikings purple and gold, showed up for the event just a day after state officials announced a $1.2 billion deficit.
Organizers say they're trying to build support among legislators and the public for a new stadium. The team's Metrodome lease runs out at the end of 2011, and the group is concerned the Vikings may leave the state if no new stadium is built.
Scott Asplund of Maple Grove said he thinks a new stadium would be a smart investment for the state, even in a bad economy.
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"It would be a very poor choice to let this go and then have the Vikings leave, and then there's money that would be lost. How would the state cover for that?" said Asplund.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders have repeatedly said stadium legislation is not a priority for the 2010 session given the state's current budget problems.
But Save the Vikes founder Cory Merrifield said the Legislature needs to tackle the stadium issue, in spite of the budget shortfall.
"When you look at what it brings to the state, the cultural value it has, and the tax revenue that it has, and the risk of losing the team, I'm going to do everything I can to make that an issue, and something that the Legislature addresses," Merrifield said.
Merrifield said one funding source for a new stadium could be a tax on fast food.
Merrifield is an Internet technology consultant and Vikings season ticket holder. He says he is funding "Save the Vikes" himself, and has received no money from the Minnesota Vikings.
(MPR's Brandt Williams contributed to this report)