Stadium article final draft

It is crunch time for our favorite team. The Minnesota Vikings are petitioning the state to contribute money towards a new stadium, which would replace the aging Metrodome. The lease on the Metrodome runs out after the 2011 season, and the Vikings would like a new facility either under construction or assented to by that time. There is always the option of renewing the lease, but the team has made it clear that they want to move on. Zygi Wilf, owner of the team, points out that a stadium would be a boon to Minnesota’s economy, providing jobs and revenue for the state while also bringing in bigger events in the near future. The Legislature, however, feels that contributing money towards another sports stadium at this current time would be irresponsible. The Legislature is going through a budget crisis, with a 5 billion dollar deficit projected over the next 2-3 years. There are several different proposals for a stadium on the table right now, consisting of the Wilfs giving most of the money to the state using casino taxes to help fund it. There also is a compromise proposal to just renovate the Metrodome, which would cost the least amount of money but hasn’t been agreed upon by either party. Wilf assures people that the Vikings won’t be leaving Minnesota, but with Los Angeles building a stadium complete with purple seats, the idea may be too tempting to resist. Everyone agrees that time is running out to make a decision.
Minnesotans agree that the Vikings should probably get a new stadium, but are as divided as the negotiators over who should finance it. Kyle, a college freshman, says a mix-and-match approach would make the most sense. “The Taxpayers should contribute to the project”, he said, “But I’d like to see the Wilfs contribute the majority of the money”. John Johnson, a life-long fan and former Federal Reserve manager, agrees with this assessment. “Why should we pay for a billionaire’s private playground? It makes no sense with our current situation”. Jacob, a high school freshman and football player himself, was even blunter. When asked who should pay, he immediately replied “Wilf. 100% Wilf”. There is a growing consensus that the Vikings should take care of their problem themselves. The casino idea for payment, however, was received well. “The casino proposal could finance it” John said, “and the only negative would be taking away revenue from the Indian casinos but they're doing plenty well anyway so it doesn't really matter." While the love of the Vikings runs deep, the desire to hang on to money runs even deeper these days it seems.
While most people are against outright state funding of the project, which would mean either even bigger slashes to current programs or higher taxes, nobody wants to see the team leave. “This team is a huge part of our state,” Kyle said “They bring in revenue we otherwise wouldn’t get and they have entertainment value”. Wary of any new spending, people nevertheless see the Wilf’s point about the aging Metrodome and sympathize with their call for a new facility. Few bathrooms and snack stands along with tiny locker rooms and bad parking combine to make the Wilf’s argument for them. With one of the oldest and smallest stadiums in the league, people agree it’s time to move on. When asked if the Vikings deserve a new stadium, the answer was a resounding “yes”. After years of being considered second rate, the people long for Minnesota to be recognized. “A new stadium would keep all the revenue that booking the stadium would bring and it would make the Twin Cities a big league town which would attract employers and employees" The former Fed manager said. Jacob agreed with the assessment, “The newness factor, bringing in a lot of people, and it would just be awesome for the city itself; this is what a stadium would give to us.”
Nothing is certain yet. The Viking’s ownership and the state are still in gridlock over finance issues; and with 2011 just one short year away, time is quickly running out. The people call for a new stadium, but demand that someone else pay for it. New taxes are seemingly out of the question, with compromise proposals gaining little ground. However, one thing is certain. Within the next year, a decision will be made, and the consensus is hoping to see a wrecking ball outside the Metrodome sometime soon.