Western, central and northern Minnesota under windy, dry weather conditions 

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

A day before a private meeting with the head of Minnesota’s new pro soccer franchise, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk threw more cold water on the idea of a state subsidized stadium.

Bakk, DFL-Cook, is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon with Bill McGuire, who is trying to get a soccer-only stadium built in downtown Minneapolis. Meetings are also planned with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton and Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown.

Bakk told reporters Monday that he expects to get an update from McGuire about the stadium effort. But Bakk said he remains opposed to any state support for that project. He said the Legislature is still suffering from stadium fatigue.

“I mean I could offer it on the floor as an amendment. I don’t think it would get a vote," Bakk said. "If that’s what we need to do for me to get their attention, I can do that just to show them that I’m not joking about this. There just isn’t any support here for another stadium.”

Bakk said he has not received any specific requests or proposals from the team. He plans to meet with reporters again following Tuesday's meeting.

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Tim Pugmire

Author

A day before a private meeting with the head of Minnesota’s new pro soccer franchise, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk threw more cold water on the idea of a state subsidized stadium.


Bakk: Soccer stadium wouldn’t get one vote

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox