This petition is in support of the current proposal to build a new Minnesota Vikings stadium on the site of the US Super Site in Arden Hills, Ramsey County.  We firmly believe that the Minnesota Vikings are an important institution in our community, both financially and intrinsically, and that even in these tough times it is worth our effort to try and keep them in Minnesota. 

We considered the following points in coming to this conclusion:

The Vikings 30-year lease expires after the 2011 season, meaning the team has just 10 games remaining in the Metrodome.

The Vikings Stadium Project would create an estimated 8,000+ jobs in an industry that is currently suffering with 40% unemployment, and an additional 3,400 new, permanent jobs once the stadium is completed.

The Vikings’ proposed $439 million contribution is the 3rd highest ownership contribution for a stadium in NFL history and is more than in-line with what the Twins contributed for the building of Target Field.

According to Jay Weiner of the Minnesota Post, the state would stand to collect a $1.36 billion tax surplus on it’s proposed $300 million investment over the life of the stadium.

http://www.minnpost.com/jayweiner/2011/05/04/27998/tax_revenues_and_a_new_vikings_stadium_a_payba

40% of Vikings season ticket owners come from outside the metro area, with 22% living outside the State of Minnesota. These season ticket owners spend approximately $107 per person outside the stadium on game day.  This adds up to an estimated 140,000+ out-of-state visitors each year who come to Minnesota to watch the Vikings and spend good money in our community.

The cost of this project has doubled since 2001. Each year of delay continues to add more costs (an estimated $50 million) to the project.  Not to mention, after this year the Vikings' lease expires and we may be competing with other cities to keep them here, thus driving the price up further.

The team believes in user-based funding, meaning those who use or benefit from a new stadium contribute to its cost.  Currently, ONLY user-based funding is being considered for the state's portion of the cost ($300 million).

The Vikings pay $18 million annually in state and local taxes? A report from Convention, Sports & Leisure said a new stadium and the retention of the Vikings will generate $26 million annually in tax revenue.

A new stadium would be publicly-owned and operated, yet the Vikings would pay roughly 90% of the $15-20 million operating costs each year.  This, even though they would only use the stadium for 10 games each season.   During the remaining dates, concerts, high school and college sports and other events could be held in the facility.

The Metrodome is no longer a viable NFL venue, nor is it a safe and comfortable environment all together.  With narrow concourses, an inadequate number of restrooms (Metrodome has 16 public restrooms to serve 65,000 people while Target Field has 34 public restrooms to server 42,000 people), and an unstable roof system, the Dome no longer meets the needs of the Vikings or the state of Minnesota.

For the last three years, every player on the 53-man roster and the eight practice squad players participated in the Vikings’ community outreach program.

True Viking fans see the value of the Vikings to this community and are open to some public contribution to ensure that they stay here.  True Viking fans are open to compromise and don’t take a “100% private financing or let them leave” stand on this issue.  We feel as though the current proposal is a fair proposal. 

The Vikings have done everything that has been asked of them.  They have committed a significant contribution of $439 million (over 41%) towards the project.  This is the 3rd highest contribution by ownership in NFL history.  They have found a willing local partner in Ramsey County, who have a site they have been trying in vain to develop for years.  Finally, they have been patient as the state has taken care of other issues.  Now their lease is expiring and time is no longer a luxury we have.

Considering these compelling points, we strongly urge the Ramsey County Commissioners, the Minnesota State Legislature, and the Governor of Minnesota to do everything within their means to get a stadium deal done with the Vikings in Arden Hills.

Sincerely,

Minnesota Viking Fans

Spread the word Viking fans.  Tell you friends, family, and coworkers to sign.  And don't forget to visit www.savethevikes.org and www.minnesotamomentum.com for all the latest news and information on the stadium project and to email your legislators in support of the stadium effort. Every Fan Counts !!!!