Lawmakers still working with Vikings officials on stadium deal

Even as the state prepares for a possible government shutdown, lawmakers are still working on a potential Vikings stadium bill.

Republican state Rep. Morrie Lanning of Moorhead and Republican Sen. Julie Rosen of Fairmont met behind closed doors with Vikings officials, lobbyists for the team and officials from Ramsey County on Wednesday. The Vikings have signed a tentative deal for a new stadium in Arden Hills. Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said they're trying to get the numbers to add up.

"We're still working," Bagley said. "And, you know, we're going through the legislation and we're just trying to make sure that the state's interests are protected, and the state's interests are represented. We think we brought forward two-thirds of the equation with the team and the county piece, and what's yet to be resolved is the state piece. And we're just trying to merge that state piece into the equation."

The stadium bill introduced at the Capitol this spring never got a formal hearing, and was left untouched at the end of the regular legislative session. Supporters are hoping it may be debated during a special session.