Pawlenty, Wilf meet privately to discuss stadium

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf have met privately to discuss the team's hopes for a new stadium.

Vikings' vice president Lester Bagley tells The Associated Press that Tuesday's meeting was a "very positive" discussion. He says the Vikings made the case that there are reasons to act in 2010.

But Pawlenty spokesman Brian McClung told WCCO-TV they did not get into specifics about stadium proposals or whether to take them up next year, when the state faces a severe budget crisis.

A new study for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission says the state's pro sports teams have generated more than $450 million in tax revenues since 1961. On Thursday the commission will unveil a design for a $954 million stadium that would replace the Metrodome.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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