Secrets of the City

Want to do your part in pushing for a new Vikings stadium? Save the Vikes is organizing a rally at the State Capitol this afternoon (2pm) in order to build legislative support for a new publicly financed professional football stadium. According to MPR, “Save the Vikes founder Cory Merrifield said the Legislature needs to tackle the stadium issue, in spite of a projected $1.2 billion budget shortfall.” What a way to put it — and very appropriate indeed. But wherever will we get the money? Merrifield’s idea: a tax on fast food! That’s the ticket.

While we’re certainly all (or at least most of us) very happy that the Vikings are doing so well this year, this likely won’t translate into a new stadium for them, ring or no ring. After his annual turkey presentation — in which the turkey went rogue — Gov. Tim Pawlenty said that “whether the Vikings win the Super Bowl or not it should not affect the state’s decisions on funding a stadium.” Sorry, Vikes!

On Monday, a group of legislators visited the Mall of America Field (ok, the Metrodome) to assess the space first hand. What are the issues keeping the Vikings from renewing their lease after 2011? The roof is eight years past its warranty and expected life. The concourses are narrow. There are inadequate restroom facilities for women. The scoreboard is in need of replacement. And so is the turf.  The annual maintenance costs are projected to be $4 to $6 million per year. And, unfortunately, renovation are highly unlikely, as the mechanical plant contains parts from the ’70s and has become outdated.

What then? If the Vikings leave, the dome is dead. Bye bye, Metrodome?