NFL Vikings Fund Proposal for USD1bn Stadium Move

The National Football League’s (NFL) Minnesota Vikings have agreed to help fund a proposed US$1bn, retractable-roof stadium project in the latest attempt by the team to get a new home after the Metrodome’s roof collapsed last season.

The Vikings would commit $407m to the project, or about 39 per cent of the total cost, the team said yesterday in a news release. The team didn’t say how the remainder of the stadium would be financed.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said in the release: “Reaching an agreement with Ramsey County as our local partner is a major milestone in our efforts to finalize a long-term stadium solution.”

While the team appreciates other proposals made by Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Wilf added: “We believe the Ramsey County site offers the most benefits to our fans, the team and the state and is the ideal site for a new stadium.”

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which owns the Metrodome, said in February it will spend about $18.1m to replace the stadium’s damaged roof before the start of the 2011 football season after it collapsed in December under the weight of 17 inches of snow, forcing the Vikings to relocate their final two home games of the season.