MINNEAPOLIS - New Vikings Stadium (65,115)

[Avian001]

New Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has appointed Ted Mondale as the head of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC), which operates the Metrodome.

This is a strong signal that a new stadium deal will be worked out. Mondale (son of former Vice-President Walter Mondale) was instrumental in getting the LRT system built when he was chair of the Metropolitan Council.

Quote by Governor Dayton: "His exceptional dedication to public service, his business experience, and his established relationships with key decision-makers will enable him to represent the best interests of the people of Minnesota in attempting to negotiate a new 'People's Stadium.'"

[pudgie_child]

Originally Posted by Avian001

New Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has appointed Ted Mondale as the head of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC), which operates the Metrodome.

Even Ted Mondale appears to be more skeptical (resigned?) than in previous interviews about the possibility of crafting a stadium bill that would be palatable to all parties involved.

MPR Midmorning discussion regarding Vikings stadium situation (2/2/11)

[spectre000]

I think the public is feeling too much public-funded-stadium "fatigue". Folks are just tired of paying for one stadium after the other, ie TCF Stadium, Target Field most recently. Its just one right after the other.

The St. Paul Saints want one, the Wild want some relief on their rent, the T-wolves want to renovate Target Center. No matter how popular the Vikings are compared to the other teams, eventually people are going to put their foot down and say ENOUGH.

It'll be interesting to see the financing that the legislature and team/NFL comes up with. We'll find out in the weeks ahead.

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by spectre000

I think the public is feeling too much public-funded-stadium "fatigue". Folks are just tired of paying for one stadium after the other, ie TCF Stadium, Target Field most recently. Its just one right after the other.

The St. Paul Saints want one, the Wild want some relief on their rent, the T-wolves want to renovate Target Center. No matter how popular the Vikings are compared to the other teams, eventually people are going to put their foot down and say ENOUGH.

It'll be interesting to see the financing that the legislature and team/NFL comes up with. We'll find out in the weeks ahead.

Then say goodbye to your NFL team.

It'll probably go to either LA or Toronto, Canada.

[spectre000]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Then say goodbye to your NFL team.

It'll probably go to either LA or Toronto, Canada.

I think Toronto will eventually get the Bills. I think the Chargers or Jaguars will go to LA. But then that opens those cities up to get a team in the future. I always thought Las Vegas would be a prime city to get a NFL team at some point. But I've heard the gambling stigma is too ingrained in the NFL. Weird since that city hosts so much other sports (college, minor league baseball, Nascar).

If the NFL and players hammer out a CBA quickly it would be a good sign to the politicians to get something done quickly. At least Gov. Dayton is taking a role in the stadium talk. Not like Pawlenty who just passed the buck to everyone else. There's still hope for a deal.

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by spectre000

I think Toronto will eventually get the Bills. I think the Chargers or Jaguars will go to LA. But then that opens those cities up to get a team in the future. I always thought Las Vegas would be a prime city to get a NFL team at some point. But I've heard the gambling stigma is too ingrained in the NFL. Weird since that city hosts so much other sports (college, minor league baseball, Nascar).

If the NFL and players hammer out a CBA quickly it would be a good sign to the politicians to get something done quickly. At least Gov. Dayton is taking a role in the stadium talk. Not like Pawlenty who just passed the buck to everyone else. There's still hope for a deal.

I agree.

Bills --> Toronto
Chargers --> LA
Jaguars --> Montreal

Montreal is a 3.5+ million market of sport addicts. I think the city could very well support a NFL team. The fan support is there. Yes there is no plan of bringing a team to Montreal right now, but if Toronto gets a team, I think Montreal could be next.

[will101]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

I agree.

Bills --> Toronto
Chargers --> LA
Jaguars --> Montreal

Montreal is a 3.5+ million market of sport addicts. I think the city could very well support a NFL team. The fan support is there. Yes there is no plan of bringing a team to Montreal right now, but if Toronto gets a team, I think Montreal could be next.

This is of course overlooking the bankruptcy of Montreal's CFL team in 1982 and the near bankruptcy of the Expos in the early 2000s.

[shhyvoodoo]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

I agree.

Bills --> Toronto
Chargers --> LA
Jaguars --> Montreal

Montreal is a 3.5+ million market of sport addicts. I think the city could very well support a NFL team. The fan support is there. Yes there is no plan of bringing a team to Montreal right now, but if Toronto gets a team, I think Montreal could be next.

Hehehe.. its funny when you read all these posts and it just seems like people are pulling these wild fantasies out of their "you know whats".. Minnesota WILL find a way to keep the Vikings in the Twin Cities. They did it with the Twins, they found the money somehow, and they will find a way with the Vikes.

I live in Los Angeles, let me sum this up... The ONLY WAY that the NFL would return here again, is if AEG builds that stadium with NO public money, which the NFL DOES NOT want. The people here are used to not having the NFL. Hell we get an extra game on TV every week, most of the fans here love going to the bars on Sundays to watch the games or get Sunday Ticket to see their favorite teams so honestly, if its not the RAIDERS (unfortunately) no one wants the Chargers and DAMN sure dont want the vikings or jags either.
A lot of fans like other teams from other cities and there is another problem... USC FOOTBALL. As long as they keep getting top recruiting classes (like again this year, even on probation) the people of L.A. are satisfied with college football here.

Toronto getting the Bills is FAR FROM a lock and what makes people think this?? what because they play ONE....ONE game there?? Hockey will ALWAYS rule Canada especially in Ontario and especially Quebec. Montreal is "iffy" at best as far as a sports town. If the teams aren't winning, they wont come. Thats why the Expos are in D.C. The Alouettes draw 60,000 to perhaps the deadest stadium in North America, Olympic Stadium for playoff games!! So do you honestly think that Montreal is just gonna let the NFL move in without a fight?? I think if the NFL was even serious about Canada they would have put a team there already. The Toronto game is nothing but a quick money grab for the Bills organization and I seriously doubt the NFL would allow such a move. If the Bills return to the their early 90s glory, that annual game will STOP..

I also believe the NFL respects the CFL's business and boundaries enough not to make a move into Canada. The CFL also gives a lot of Americans jobs in the league and the NFL knows that and takes that into consideration as well. So anybody moving to Montreal is ludicrous....

Simply put, The NFL NEEDS Los Angeles, we dont need the NFL. Also, the NFL wants to return the Super Bowl to California, especially the L.A. Area. Look at Dallas this year.. NFL Loves South Beach but they have to make some renovations to Sun Life to get more SBs. Another point, Super Bowl host also have to be a place people would want to go and spend some time and money. I love Canada but going to Toronto or Montreal in the dead of winter for Super Bowl is UNATTRACTIVE.. SORRY.

Ben
Voodoo

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by will101

This is of course overlooking the bankruptcy of Montreal's CFL team in 1982 and the near bankruptcy of the Expos in the early 2000s.

Who cares? That was in the past.

The Canadiens is one of the healthiest franchises in the league, with the second-best attendance, long sellout streak and is at the top in terms of revenue and operating income.

The Alouettes sell out every game and are very successful.

The Impact is selling out and will join the MLS in 2012.

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by shhyvoodoo

Hehehe.. its funny when you read all these posts and it just seems like people are pulling these wild fantasies out of their "you know whats".. Minnesota WILL find a way to keep the Vikings in the Twin Cities. They did it with the Twins, they found the money somehow, and they will find a way with the Vikes.

Toronto getting the Bills is FAR FROM a lock and what makes people think this?? what because they play ONE....ONE game there?? Hockey will ALWAYS rule Canada especially in Ontario and especially Quebec. Montreal is "iffy" at best as far as a sports town. If the teams aren't winning, they wont come. Thats why the Expos are in D.C. The Alouettes draw 60,000 to perhaps the deadest stadium in North America, Olympic Stadium for playoff games!! So do you honestly think that Montreal is just gonna let the NFL move in without a fight?? I think if the NFL was even serious about Canada they would have put a team there already. The Toronto game is nothing but a quick money grab for the Bills organization and I seriously doubt the NFL would allow such a move. If the Bills return to the their early 90s glory, that annual game will STOP..

Simply put, The NFL NEEDS Los Angeles, we dont need the NFL. Also, the NFL wants to return the Super Bowl to California, especially the L.A. Area. Look at Dallas this year.. NFL Loves South Beach but they have to make some renovations to Sun Life to get more SBs. Another point, Super Bowl host also have to be a place people would want to go and spend some time and money. I love Canada but going to Toronto or Montreal in the dead of winter for Super Bowl is UNATTRACTIVE.. SORRY.

To answer your last point first (about the attractiveness of Montreal), Montreal is one of the most attractive cities in North America and very tourist-friendly and surely a better draw than bland, soulless cities like Dallas, Indianapolis who are getting Super Bowls this year and in 2012. As for the temperature, the stadium will likely have a retractable roof... so there you go. Problem fixed. Plus, the NFL has shown it is welcoming colder temperature with a Super Bowl in NYC in 2014.

As for the Olympic Stadium, I agree with you, but it will be torn down or a new stadium will be constructed Downtown. Like the Rogers Centre is not good for the NFL. So either cities will have to build something new to poach an NFL franchise.

Montreal iffy at best as a sports town? It's probably one of the best in North America alongside Philly, Boston and Chicago. It's certainly a lot better than cities like Miami or Jacksonville. You're saying that people don't show up if a team is not winning. This is true, but it's true for 99% of cities, except for like Green Bay because the team is such an integral part of the city. Miami's sports teams are hurting, except the Heat. Nobody cares about The U, the Dolphins, the Panthers and the Marlins. It was so pathetic to see a division game in Miami with the stands half empty.

[will101]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Who cares? That was in the past.

Less than six years ago? These are the same fans who abandoned the Expos back then. Those facts really stick a big sharp pin in your claim of a city full of sports fanatics. Kind of like a voodoo doll.

The Canadiens is one of the healthiest franchises in the league, with the second-best attendance, long sellout streak and is at the top in terms of revenue and operating income.

And they will always remain the one and only favorite of Montreal fans. But I couldn't help but notice that you left out the Raptors in your description of how sports-mad the city is.

The Alouettes sell out every game and are very successful.

In a 20,000 seat stadium. Stade Olympique is a horribly designed stadium, and not up to NFL standards in several respects. So where would this mythical new NFL franchise play?

[weava]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

I agree.

Bills --> Toronto
Chargers --> LA
Jaguars --> Montreal

Montreal is a 3.5+ million market of sport addicts. I think the city could very well support a NFL team. The fan support is there. Yes there is no plan of bringing a team to Montreal right now, but if Toronto gets a team, I think Montreal could be next.

HAHAHAHAHA, sports addicts eh? Is that why the expos were drawing 5,000 a game and your CFL team moved out of the dome and into a smaller stadium?

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by weava

HAHAHAHAHA, sports addicts eh? Is that why the expos were drawing 5,000 a game and your CFL team moved out of the dome and into a smaller stadium?

You have to blame the owner for the 5,000 attendance. Baseball is actually very popular in Quebec and the Expos were huge in the mid-1990s. Once they changed owners at the end of the 90s, the decline began. They let their young risings star go for nothing...

As for a stadium, lots of big corporations in Montreal (BCE, Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, Quebecor, SNC Lavalin, Yellow Pages, etc.) and the local governments and the federal ARE NOT broke, like 95% of all governments in the USA. Money wouldn't be a problem, I think.

In Quebec City (~700,000 inhab.), they have secured $400m to build a brand new hockey arena, with the city and the state government being the main contributor. Quebecor, the media empire also joined in as a private investor (and prospective owner of the new/relocated franchise).

They had plans, before the Expos left, to build a stadium in Downtown Montreal. They would need to find a new spot to build it, but I don't think it's totally irrealistic for Montreal to be building one. If Montreal wants to have the Olympic Games once more, they will need to either torn down the Olympic Stadium or build a brand new one.

Montreal is the 6th best sports city in North America according to a recent survey.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OPxKGDa6Fv...e242f.jpeg.jpg

http://thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com...h-america.html

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by will101

Less than six years ago? These are the same fans who abandoned the Expos back then. Those facts really stick a big sharp pin in your claim of a city full of sports fanatics. Kind of like a voodoo doll.


And they will always remain the one and only favorite of Montreal fans. But I couldn't help but notice that you left out the Raptors in your description of how sports-mad the city is.


In a 20,000 seat stadium. Stade Olympique is a horribly designed stadium, and not up to NFL standards in several respects. So where would this mythical new NFL franchise play?

The Canadiens have fun all across North America. You can argue that they probably have the largest fanbase of all hockey teams, including the Leafs.

The Raptors were in Toronto, by the way, not Montreal. Seriously, who cares about them? Local support is so weak...

Stade Olympique sucks. They would need a new stadium. Point is, people care much more about the NFL than the CFL. If only Montreal could have a team, it would easily fill it out week in week out.

[shhyvoodoo]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

To answer your last point first (about the attractiveness of Montreal), Montreal is one of the most attractive cities in North America and very tourist-friendly and surely a better draw than bland, soulless cities like Dallas, Indianapolis who are getting Super Bowls this year and in 2012. As for the temperature, the stadium will likely have a retractable roof... so there you go. Problem fixed. Plus, the NFL has shown it is welcoming colder temperature with a Super Bowl in NYC in 2014.

As for the Olympic Stadium, I agree with you, but it will be torn down or a new stadium will be constructed Downtown. Like the Rogers Centre is not good for the NFL. So either cities will have to build something new to poach an NFL franchise.

Montreal iffy at best as a sports town? It's probably one of the best in North America alongside Philly, Boston and Chicago. It's certainly a lot better than cities like Miami or Jacksonville. You're saying that people don't show up if a team is not winning. This is true, but it's true for 99% of cities, except for like Green Bay because the team is such an integral part of the city. Miami's sports teams are hurting, except the Heat. Nobody cares about The U, the Dolphins, the Panthers and the Marlins. It was so pathetic to see a division game in Miami with the stands half empty.

Shady, you just don't get it...
You think that building new stadiums is gonna solve the problem??
You missed my whole point. Look, Montreal is a WORLD CLASS city.. no doubt. I've been there and I love Montreal. My analogy is pertaining to the Super Bowl FESTIVITIES not the game itself. Super Bowl week is a non stop party and people dont go to the super bowl city to catch the sites and take in the museums and art galleries.. they go to PARTY!!!

My thing is the NFL or nobody in fact wants the Super Bowl in a city with the weather in the low teens. Dallas was an absolute nightmare for all involved this year. You seen the interviews from Dallas last week where it was so cold you could see the commentators breath.

The only reason Indy has a Super Bowl is because of the stadium. It probably wont be there again...

[flashman]

The optics of moving another Minnesota franchise to LA would be unbearable.

I say play in an outdoor stadium - call it (Bud) Grant's Tomb - like they used to at the old Met. Every team, even the Packers, hated it.

Shady is correct when he says Montreal would support an NFL team. Been there many times on business - with your Quebecor boys, Shady, biggest printing firm in N.America. The NFL is huge there, great TV coverage, very well followed.

Just need the stadium.

Maybe if Toronto gets the Bills moved and properly housed, the time would be right for Montreal. With the NFL looking to grow its global audience and its TV rights fees, both cities offer bigger market places than many current NFL cities and major amounts of corporate support, too.

Something the NFL will consider seriously if the owners do away with revenue sharing.

[shhyvoodoo]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

The Canadiens have fun all across North America. You can argue that they probably have the largest fanbase of all hockey teams, including the Leafs.

The Raptors were in Toronto, by the way, not Montreal. Seriously, who cares about them? Local support is so weak...

Stade Olympique sucks. They would need a new stadium. Point is, people care much more about the NFL than the CFL. If only Montreal could have a team, it would easily fill it out week in week out.

Funny... I know the NFL is popular but MORE popular than a Championship winning football team like the Als?? Are you telling me the if the montreal franchise goes 2-14 they will still be there to support them??

This is another thing that bothers me.. The CFL is NOT A BAD BRAND OF FOOTBALL. I love this league because of it's wide open style of play. Are you telling me that Rider Nation would drop the Riders if an NFL team came to town??? CFL fans love the CFL because it's NOT the NFL. Besides I like what Mark is doing with the league and all they need is to expand 2 teams and they will be fine.. For me, football season starts on CANADA DAY!!

The NFL is becoming softer and softer every year. Every hit is OVER analyzed and before you know it Opie Goddell is gonna make the NFL the largest flag football league in the world.

[shadyunltd]

Originally Posted by shhyvoodoo

Shady, you just don't get it...
You think that building new stadiums is gonna solve the problem??
You missed my whole point. Look, Montreal is a WORLD CLASS city.. no doubt. I've been there and I love Montreal. My analogy is pertaining to the Super Bowl FESTIVITIES not the game itself. Super Bowl week is a non stop party and people dont go to the super bowl city to catch the sites and take in the museums and art galleries.. they go to PARTY!!!

My thing is the NFL or nobody in fact wants the Super Bowl in a city with the weather in the low teens. Dallas was an absolute nightmare for all involved this year. You seen the interviews from Dallas last week where it was so cold you could see the commentators breath.

The only reason Indy has a Super Bowl is because of the stadium. It probably wont be there again...

Montreal is one of the biggest party cities in North America. Easily the best in Canada. Strangely, I have much more fun when it's freezing outside than during the Summer.... Dallas is just a really boring city where everything is closed past 5pm in the CBD. Montreal is nothing like that. Bars close at 3. We have beautiful women and a lot of strip clubs. So much that hockey players call it "Sin City" when they come play here.

[rantanamo]

Originally Posted by shadyunltd

Montreal is one of the biggest party cities in North America. Easily the best in Canada. Strangely, I have much more fun when it's freezing outside than during the Summer.... Dallas is just a really boring city where everything is closed past 5pm in the CBD. Montreal is nothing like that. Bars close at 3. We have beautiful women and a lot of strip clubs. So much that hockey players call it "Sin City" when they come play here.

You just described Dallas except for the CBD thing. You don't go out in the CBD in Dallas. You go Uptown.

[shhyvoodoo]

Originally Posted by flashman

The optics of moving another Minnesota franchise to LA would be unbearable.

I say play in an outdoor stadium - call it (Bud) Grant's Tomb - like they used to at the old Met. Every team, even the Packers, hated it.

Shady is correct when he says Montreal would support an NFL team. Been there many times on business - with your Quebecor boys, Shady, biggest printing firm in N.America. The NFL is huge there, great TV coverage, very well followed.

Just need the stadium.

Maybe if Toronto gets the Bills moved and properly housed, the time would be right for Montreal. With the NFL looking to grow its global audience and its TV rights fees, both cities offer bigger market places than many current NFL cities and major amounts of corporate support, too.

Something the NFL will consider seriously if the owners do away with revenue sharing.

I'm still not convinced that they can.. like i said before, If the NFL wanted to be in Canada they would already BE THERE!! if the Canadian cities is so "attractive" to the NFL, then why do they got "goo goo eyes" for London, England??? They have a brand new 80,000 seat stadium they know they can fill every game from day one. Canada is not even a thought to the NFL right now.

Like I said in a previous post, The NFL respects the CFL business enough not to go there full time. If the NFL wanted to take the CFL out, explain why the NFL would put the CFL ON THEIR NETWORK??

The Owners would not even think about getting rid of revenue sharing because of the simple fact that they don't want the mess that is Major League Baseball!! One of the great things about the NFL is any team, with a few breaks and a little luck, could end up playing on Super Bowl Sunday. You think Royals Fan have dreams of a World Championship heading into spring training right now??

If Montreal and Toronto or Canada for that fact was so attractive for an NFL franchise, why did they choose Jacksonville, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina as their last two expansion cities??

Lastly, I highly doubt that Minnesota would return outdoors because the weather would affect top Free Agents' decision to come there. These guys already complain about playing in inclement weather (which is so damn ridiculous its laughable) IT'S FOOTBALL!!!! The Grey Cup in Edmonton was played in 4 degree weather this past November??...

Minnesota already lost the Lakers, could possibly lose the Vikings, to Los Angeles. They lost the North Stars to of all places, Dallas. They couldn't afford to lose the Twins and I think they will come through and retain the Vikings, even if they build the stadium (which they should) on the current Metrodome site. I would love to see the Vikes play outdoors again.. stay tuned..

ben
voodoo