RealGM

As committed as the Vikings are to bringing a Super Bowl championship to the fans and the state, the franchise is equally devoted to securing a long-term home for the team in Minnesota. The Vikings remain one of the few NFL franchises without a stadium solution, but the team is determined to collaborate with the State Legislature, the Governor and local leaders to resolve this issue.


Working with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC), the Vikings are moving forward on a public-private partnership that will open a new multi-purpose stadium on the current Metrodome site in the year 2012.


This economic development proposal includes three critical elements that go beyond hosting Vikings home games:


* A retractable-roof stadium that will give Minnesotans a state-of-the-art venue to be used year-round for high school and amateur sports, trade shows, community and cultural events, as well as national and international happenings.
* A Winter Garden light rail train station that will serve as a connecting point for the future Central Corridor light rail line and the existing Hiawatha line. This gathering place is integral to the Vikings vision of the overall development and will host indoor/outdoor activities for transit riders, neighborhood residents, downtown workers and stadium attendees.
* A privately financed redevelopment of the Downtown East area that will include office buildings, residences, shops and restaurants. This exciting project will create jobs, boost the economy and bring a renewed energy to this area of Minneapolis.