Lawmaker objects to Vikings stadium gun show ban

Republican state Rep. Pat Garofalo has written to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, objecting to their ban on doing firearms business at the new stadium.

The provision is included in the stadium lease, signed by the MSFA and the Vikings last week. Garofalo asks: "Why is the Stadium Authority arbitrarily excluding vendors who, in compliance with federal, state and local laws, sell guns?"

Garofalo says the provision wasn't included in the Metrodome lease and shouldn't be in the new stadium. He says hunting shows, outdoor shows and other events might be banned from the new stadium.

"The People's Stadium should not, under any circumstances, arbitrarily prohibit these types of events from taking place if they comply with all other stadium rules and regulations, as well as federal, state and local laws. Outdoor trade shows and events bring in folks from across the state to Minneapolis, and it would be a shame if this incredible new facility were to shut them out."

The language, however, applies specifically to the Vikings. It isn't clear if other promoters or leaseholders at the stadium would be allowed to traffic in firearms.

Here's the language in the stadium lease:

"No portion of the Stadium, Stadium Infrastructure or Stadium Site will be used by the Team, or in connection with any Team Stadium Event, for any gun shop or other store whose primary business is the sale of guns or other weapons; for any adults-only use, such as the sale or display of adults-only books, periodicals or tapes, adults-only motion pictures, and adult entertainment; for any pawn shop; or for any so-called head shop."

And here's Garofalo's letter: