Metrodome already pillaged...

The Minnesota Vikings are 8-1, led by the legendary quarterback Brett Favre and rising stars like Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen. It’s one of the best starts we’ve seen from the Vikes, even fair-weather fans are excited about the franchise for the first time in years. However, not all is sunshine and rainbows for the Purple People Eaters.
With the team’s lease on the Metrodome expiring in 2011, there’s been a push to get public funds to build a new stadium on the site. Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is trying to thwart all such discussion, recently approving a measure to reinstate the $4 million a year in rent they’ve previously waived if the team refuses to sign an extension on their lease. With the Vikings being the Dome’s only major tenant remaining, the Commission argues that the team doesn’t have the popularity and the state doesn’t have the money to build a new facility that might cost as much as $950 million.
The Commission is instead offering all post-season receipts to the team in order to seal the deal on a lease extension. The owners of the Vikings, Mark and Zygi Wilf, recently broke off discussions with the commission, disappointed with the lack of support in the Vikings’ quest for a new stadium, which is especially due in light of two other major clubs — read the Twins and Golden Gophers — recently getting new facilities supported by public funding.
The Metrodome is terribly out-dated, and a multi-purpose facility constructed in its place would better serve the Vikings, the city, and the state. The stadium itself could be used in a variety of ways, to host a Superbowl or the NCAA tournament. Minneapolis is a popular city with a variety of draws, and we need to have a facility in place that can sponsor national events.
As far as getting the money together, let the Vikings take back some of the tax revenues (roughly $26 million a year) they generate in the state as a down payment on their new home.
It’s obviously going to take public support, but that’s support that we should be willing to provide. Despite billion-dollar budget shortfalls, denying the Vikings now could prove to be a move that helps drive them out of the state. The Wilfs have stated they have no intentions of that so far, but I’d hate to see what happens if push comes to shove.
The Vikings are that important to Minnesota. The team’s location supports business, generates state tax revenues and brings 60,000 game-day attendees, only some of whom could bring themselves to cheer for the Packers. If Minnesota wants to keep Vikings’ football alive and well, it has to show some more support.

Jon Radermacher welcomes comments at jradermacher@mndaily.com.