DAYTON: “Now The Real Work Begins”

As expected, an announcement was made this morning at the Minnesota Capitol that formally introduces a Vikings stadium bill to Legislature, which marks the farthest point the Wilf’s have reached in this process since they bought the franchise in 2005.

The bill’s main talking points are pretty much exactly what I had laid out last night: 

• A total price tag of $975 million.
• The Vikings (and NFL) would pay $427 million.
• The State would pay $398 million.
• The State would primarily raise funds using electronic pull tabs.
• Minneapolis would pay $150 million using an existing sales tax.
• The stadium would have a fixed, covered roof.
• A three to four year construction process would be expected.
• The final year of construction would have the Vikings playing at TCF Bank Stadium

Governor Mark Dayton cautioned enthusiasts that “now the real work begins” as the plan must be approved by the State Legislature and the Minneapolis City Council.  There is sure to be some opposition at those levels, but what the strength of that opposition is remains to be seen.