State official: Vikings have right for seat licenses

Vikings stadium rendering
Rendering of interior of the proposed Vikings stadium from HKS Inc. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority has signed a contract with Dallas-based firm for design services for the new stadium.
Courtesy of HKS

The head of the authority overseeing construction of a new Minnesota Vikings stadium says she expects any fees for personal seat licenses would be in line with those charged for other new stadiums recently built in the state.

Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority chairwoman Michelle Kelm-Helgen says the legislation authorizing the new stadium gives the team clear authority to pursue the licenses.

The licenses are common in the NFL, with some teams charging many thousands of dollars. The issue blew up this week when Gov. Mark Dayton came out against them.

The Minnesota Twins charged $1,000 to $2,000 on a small number of premium seats at Target Field.

Vikings vice president Lester Bagley told the authority at its meeting Friday that the team hasn't made a decision on licenses.

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