Last reviewed November 2009
Resources on Minnesota Issues
Football Stadiums and the Minnesota Vikings
This guide is compiled by staff at the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library on a topic of interest to Minnesota legislators. It is designed to provide an introduction to the topic, directing the user to a variety of sources, and is not intended to be exhaustive. In particular, it is focused on items available in the Legislative Reference Library.
This timeline is intended to be a starting point for researching the history of the Minnesota Vikings and professional football stadiums in Minnesota.
1954: 164 acres of farm land in Bloomington is chosen as the site for a major league stadium in the Twin Cities. It appears the Metropolitan Sports Area Commission is officially established by an ownership and operations agreement between Minneapolis and Bloomington entered into on August 13th.
1955: The Minnesota Legislature validates the Metropolitan Sports Area Commission's agreement from August 13, 1954 with the passage of Laws of Minnesota 1955, chapter 445. It is approved on April 15. The Minneapolis Minute Men, predominantly Minneapolis businessmen, help sell the $4.5 million worth of bonds issued by Minneapolis to help finance the stadium. The bonds are to be repaid through revenue generated by the stadium. Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for Metropolitan Stadium (The Met) on June 20th.
1956: The Minneapolis Millers, a minor league baseball team, opens Metropolitan Stadium on April 24th against the Wichita Braves. The seating capacity is about 18,200.
1958: In September, Minneapolis approves $9 million in general obligation bonds to expand the seating capacity to 41,000, if a major league team is signed by January 1, 1959.
1960: The National Football League (NFL) grants a football franchise to Minnesota on January 28th. The franchise group includes Max Winter, E. William Boyer, Ole Haugsrud, Bernard H. Ridder, Jr., and H.P Skoglund. Minneapolis approves $8.5 million in bonds to expand Metropolitan Stadium.
1961: The Minnesota Vikings play their first home game at Metropolitan Stadium on September 10th. They lose this preseason game to the Los Angeles Rams. They then defeat the Chicago Bears in their first regular season home game on September 17th. This same year, the Twins (formerly the Washington Senators) baseball team arrives in Minnesota. The two teams share the stadium.
1965: The Vikings finance the permanent east side grandstand expansion in exchange for stadium rent deduction. It increases the seating capacity from approximately 41,200 to around 47,200 seats and is completed in time for the August 20th preseason game.
1970: The Vikings lose Super Bowl IV to the Kansas City Chiefs on January 11th.
1971: The Vikings voice their dissatisfaction with Metropolitan Stadium, stating it is too old, too cold in winter, and too small at its current capacity of 48,700.
1973: The Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Stadium Task Force is created in October. The St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Stadium Study Task Force is also created.
1974: The Vikings lose Super Bowl VIII to the Miami Dolphins on January 13th. The Minneapolis and St. Paul task forces release a joint report, Analysis of Stadium Alternatives, Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, in September. They propose a multipurpose, publicly financed, domed stadium.
1975: The Vikings lose Super Bowl IX to the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 12th. The Minnesota Vikings lease agreement at Metropolitan Stadium is set to expire. Governor Wendell Anderson states, in April, that he is convinced that the Vikings and the Twins will leave Minnesota without the passage of legislation for a new stadium.
1976-1977: Stadium politics dominate the Minnesota State Legislature. Governor Wendell Anderson instructs the State Planning Agency to examine stadium proposals. They issue A Report on Sport Stadium Proposals in 1976. Stadium proposals include remodeling Metropolitan Stadium, expansion of the University of Minnesota's Memorial Stadium, building a recessed stadium in Lakeville, building a $28 million open air stadium, and construction of a $126 million multi-purpose domed stadium.
1977: The Vikings lose Super Bowl XI to the Oakland Raiders on January 9th. Governor Rudy Perpich announces support for a covered stadium. The Minnesota Legislature passes and Governor Rudy Perpich signs Laws of Minnesota 1977, chapter 89. It creates the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) and includes financing provisions for sports facilities in the metropolitan area. The legislation doesn't specify a site but it does state that no public money may be used to purchase the land that the stadium will be built on. Employees of the Metropolitan Sports Area Commission are transferred to the MSFC. A seven county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area liquor tax is collected from 1977-1979.
1978: A district judge finds the public debt portion of the bill passed in 1977 unconstitutional since it was not passed by the House and Senate with at least 60% of the votes. Land on the eastern edge of downtown Minneapolis is purchased, late in the year, for approximately $14.5 million which is raised by Twin Cities businesses. In December, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) votes 4-3 for a domed multipurpose facility on this site.
1979: The Minnesota Legislature passes and Governor Al Quie signs Laws of Minnesota 1979, chapter 203 which modifies the 1977 law. They also repeal the seven county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area liquor tax with the passage of Laws of Minnesota 1979, chapter 26. The Metropolitan Council issues public revenue bonds backed by the City of Minneapolis. In addition Minneapolis adopts a 3% liquor sales tax and hotel/motel accomodations tax to assist with stadium operations. Ground is broken for the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in December. The stadium will be shared by the Minnesota Vikings football team, the Minnesota Twins baseball team, and the University of Minnesota college football team.
1981: The Vikings lose their last game at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington to the Kansas City Chiefs on December 20th.
1982: The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is completed in April at an approximate cost of $55 million for construction costs. The full cost of the stadium is almost $124 million with the inclusion of nonconstruction costs. The Minnesota Vikings play their first home game at the Metrodome on August 21st. They win this preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. They play their first regular season home game in the Metrodome on September 12th and defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
1984: Minneapolis lowers its 3% liquor sales tax and hotel/motel accomodations tax to 2%. This is the last year the tax is utilized.
1985: Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington is demolished.
1989: The H.H.H. Metrodome Retractable Roof Study is completed. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Mall of America shopping center, being built on the former Metropolitan Stadium site, occurs on June 14th.
1992: The NFL's Super Bowl XXVI is played in the Metrodome on January 26th. The Washington Redskins defeat the Buffalo Bills. The Mall of America opens on August 11th.
1996: The Advisory Task Force on Professional Sports in Minnesota releases its Final Report on January 31. A nonbinding professional sport stadium construction referendum is discussed by the Minnesota Legislature in HF 2974/SF 2464.
1997: The Minnesota Legislature introduces HF 107/SF 111. The bills transfer the ownership of the Metrodome to the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. The bills do not pass. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) releases Analysis of Stadium Options.
1998: The NFL owners approve the sale of the team, for $206 million, to Red McCombs on July 28th. McCombs says the Vikings need a new stadium to be competitive.
1999: In June, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC) releases a plan to renovate the Metrodome. The Vikings reject the renovation plan in July. Red McCombs reiterates, in September, that it is unlikely that the Vikings will be able to stay in Minnesota without a new stadium.
2001-2002: The Minnesota Legislature and Governor Jesse Ventura create an 18-member Stadium Task Force (report and minutes) that prepares recommendations for the 2002 Legislature to address stadium concerns of the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and the University of Minnesota. Football stadium bills introduced in the 2001-2002 session include the following House Files and Senate Files. On February 22, 2002 the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission passes Resolution No. 2002-01 Resolution Memorializing Waiver of Rent and Provision of Advertising Opportunities to the Minnesota Vikings; it is retroactive to 1999.
2003-2004: Governor Tim Pawlenty creates a Stadium Screening Committee (television archives) to provide information, analysis and advice in making a professional stadium proposal for the 2004 legislative session. The Stadium Screening Committee Report to Governor Tim Pawlenty is published February 4, 2004. Football stadium bills introduced in the 2003-2004 session include the following House Files and Senate Files.
2005-2006: The NFL owners approve the sale of the team, for $600 million, to an investment group headed by brothers, Zygmunt "Zygi" and Mark Wilf, on May 25, 2005. The Vikings reach an agreement, in September 2005, with Anoka county to build a new $675 million outdoor stadium in Blaine. The deal requires at least $395 million from taxpayers. Anoka county football stadium bills include the following House Files and Senate Files. Anoka county drops their stadium bid, in November 2006, after the Vikings join a study of possible downtown Minneapolis locations.
2007-2008: The Vikings team agrees to buy 4 blocks of land near the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis from the Star Tribune newspaper for $45 million in June 2007. They hope to build a $954 million retractable roof stadium. The land purchase deal is revoked by the Vikings in August 2007. A bill, SF 2177, is introduced to finance sports stadiums through a state casino. The bill doesn't pass. In July 2008, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission unveils a plan (HHH Metrodome Reconstruction Analysis, Executive Summary) that reuses parts of the Metrodome to build an $853 million retractable roof stadium in Minneapolis. The University of Minnesota Gophers football team plays its last game in the Metrodome on November 22, 2008.
2009: HF 1303 is introduced to finance a new sports stadium through a state casino. The University of Minnesota Gophers football team plays its first game in the new TCF Bank Stadium on September 12, 2009. The Minnesota Twins baseball team plays its last game in the Metrodome on October 11, 2009. This leaves the Vikings as the sole professional sports team using the Metrodome. The Vikings indicate that they do not intend to extend their lease at the Metrodome after it expires in early 2012. The Vikings owners tell their executives not to sign any contracts beyond that date. In addition progress on the construction of a new professional football stadium in Los Angeles, California is cited by some as a reason for concern that the Vikings team may leave Minnesota. To increase revenue the Vikings owners are allowed to sell naming rights to the field and gates at the Metrodome. Beginning on October 5, 2009 the field officially becomes the Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The deal expires on February 28, 2012. Caribou Coffee and the Minnesota Army National Guard sign up to sponsor gates in October. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission's (MSFC) Finance Committee, on November 17th, passes Resolution No. 09-05 Relating to Metrodome Revenue Enhancements, Vikings' Commitments, and Harmonization of Commission-Viking Relations in an attempt to get the Vikings to extend their lease at the Metrodome by two years. The Vikings reject the lease extension option and submit a letter, on November 18th, expressing their displeasure with this resolution. On November 19th, the full MSFC approves the resolution. On December 17th, the HKS and Mortenson Construction Presentation to the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission which includes an $870 million stadium proposal, Conventions Sports and Leisure's Comparison of Potential Metrodome Development Scenarios, and Comparative Analysis of MSFC/Vikings Use Agreement and the MSFC Proposal for Terms of Extension are released.
SIGNIFICANT BOOKS AND REPORTS:
Analysis of Stadium Alternatives, Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. St. Paul: Real Estate Research Corporation, 1974. (GV415 .R42)
Analysis of Stadium Options. Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, 1997. (GV416.T9 A53 1997)
Comparison of Potential Metrodome Development Scenarios. Wayzata, Minnesota: Conventions, Sports and Leisure International, 2009. (GV413 .C66 2009)
Conceptual Project Plan: University of Minnesota/Minnesota Vikings Joint-use Stadium Project Predesign Study. Hines/Turner Construction Sports, 2002. (GV416 .M56 2002ex)
Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis: The Preserve at Rice Creek. Los Angeles, California: Economics Research Associates, 2004. (GV416.B53 E26 2004)
Economic and Jobs Impact of Metrodome Next Multipurpose Facility. Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, 2009. (GV416.M6 E36 2009)
Final Report. Minneapolis: Advisory Task Force on Professional Sports in Minnesota, 1996. (GV716.M48 1996)
Final Report of the Minnesota Stadiums Task Force. St. Paul: Minnesota Stadiums Task Force, January 25, 2002. (GV416.M6 M56 2002)
Hamilton, Harold. The Vikings Stadium, Boon or Bust? Minnesota: National Federation of Independent Business, 2006. (HC107.M63 E4412 2006). (DVD of a presentation by Art Rolnick discussing the proposed Vikings stadium in Blaine, Minnesota.)
HHH Metrodome Reconstruction Analysis, Executive Summary. Minnesota: Ellerbe Becket, 2007. (GV416.M6 H44 2009)
H.H.H. Metrodome Retractable Roof Study. Prepared by Hammel Green and Abrahamson, Inc., RAN International for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Minneapolis, Minnesota: HGA; Toronto, Ontario: RAN, 1989. (GV416.M6 H85 1989)
Joint Use Football Stadium Architectural Report. Crawford Architects, 2002. (GV416 .M56 2002hx)
Klobuchar, Amy. Uncovering the Dome: Was the Public Interest Served in Minnesota's 10-year Political Brawl Over the Metrodome? Prospect Heights, Illinois: Waveland Press, 1982. (GV416.M6 K45 1982)
The Met, 1956-1981. Minnesota, 1981. (GV416.B65 M47)
Metrodome: Backgrounder. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, 1995. (GV416.M6 M38 1995)
Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (Minn.): Comprehensive Annual Financial Report: Fiscal Year Ended December 31, ... Minneapolis, Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Finance Department, 2004-2008. (GV416.M6 M48)
Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Presentation to House Local Government Division. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, 2009. (GV416.M6 P74 2009)
Minnesota Vikings Football Club Presentation to Stadium Panel. Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Vikings, 1997. (GV956.M5 M55 1997)
Minnesota's Sports, Retail and Entertainment Center: Economic Impacts. McComb Group, Ltd., 2006. (GV416.B53 M56 2006).
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Proposed Joint-Use Football Stadium Properties North of University Avenue SE Between Oak Street SE and 23rd Avenue SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bloomington, Minnesota: Peer Environmental & Engineering Resources, Inc., 2002. (GV416 .M56 2002bx)
Phase II Investigation Report: Proposed Joint-use Football Stadium Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bloomington, Minnesota: Peer Environmental & Engineering Resources, Inc., 2002. (GV416 .M56 2002dx)
Phase II Investigation Work Plan: Proposed Joint-use Football Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bloomington, Minnesota: Peer Environmental & Engineering Resources, Inc., 2002. (GV416 .M56 2002ax)
Presentation to House Committee On Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs, January 31, 1996. Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Vikings, 1996. (GV956.M5 P7 1996)
Proposed University of Minnesota-Minnesota Vikings Joint Use Football Stadium In Minneapolis, Minnesota: Geotechnical Analysis. Minnetonka, Minnesota: Gale-Tec Engineering, Inc., 2002. (GV416 .M56cx)
A Report on Sport Stadium Proposals. Saint Paul, Minnesota: Minnesota State Planning Agency, 1976. (GV416.T9 M56 1976)
Resolution No. 09-05 Relating to Metrodome Revenue Enhancements, Vikings' Commitments, and Harmonization of Commission-Viking Relations. Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, 2009.
Resolution No. 2002-01 Resolution Memorializing Waiver of Rent and Provision of Advertising Opportunities to the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota: Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, 2002.
Stadium Screening Committee Report to Governor Tim Pawlenty. St. Paul, Minnesota: Stadium Screening Committee, 2004. (GV415 .S73 2004)
Trubey, Bryan. Presentation to the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Minnesota, 2009. (Presenters represent HKS Sports and Entertainment and Mortenson Construction) (GV413 .T78 2009)
Weiner, Jay. Stadium Games: Fifty Years of Big League Greed and Bush League Boondoggles. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2000. (GV716 .W43 2000)
Wilf, Zygi, and Mark Wilf. Letter to Paul Thatcher, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Minnesota: The Vikings, November 18, 2009.
SIGNIFICANT ARTICLES:
Compton, Steve. "A Closer Look...the Struggle to Find Funds to Build a Better Ballpark." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, April 4, 1997, p. 12-13.
Cook, Mike. "Going for Two. Stadium Task Force Recommends Public Financing for Two New Professional Sports Facilities That Also Benefits the U of M." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, February 1, 2002, p. 20-21.
Lonergan, Tom. "Financing the Metrodome. A Combination of Sources Used 25 Years Ago Could Be Mirrored to Create New Homes for Twins, Vikings." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, April 9, 2004, p. 14.
Lonergan, Tom. "Home Field Advantages. Local Taxes, State Funding Among Several Ideas for Funding Future Professional Sports Stadiums/Stadium Financing (Statistics)." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, April 2, 2004, p. 3-4, 24.
Marty, John. "A New Vikings Stadium? L.A. Shows Us How." MinnPost, October 30, 2009.
Ostermeier, Eric. "Will a New Stadium Make the Minnesota Vikings a More Successful Franchise?" Smart Politics (University of Minnesota), December 1, 2009.
Pugmire, Tim. "GOP Lawmaker: Slots Could Buy New Vikings Stadium." MPR NewsQ, October 5, 2009.
"Recreation: Committee OKs Vikings Stadium." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, May 5, 2006, p. 9.
"Sports Commission: Vikings Stadium Would Create Jobs." Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, February 24, 2009.
"Taxes: Stadium Financing Plan." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, March 15, 2002, p. 12-14.
Thomas, G. Scott, and John Vomhof Jr. "Study: Twin Cities Overextended for Sports." Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, December 8, 2009.
van Dyck, Brenda. "Taxes - a Local Option. Stadium Talk Brings Forward the Use of Local Option Sales Tax." Session Weekly, St. Paul: Minnesota House of Representatives Information Office, April 14, 2006, p. 3-4.
Weiner, Jay. "As Interim Solution, Stadium Commission Offering New Deal to Keep Vikings in Dome." MinnPost, November 17, 2009.
Weiner, Jay. "Vikings Stadium: How Will Pawlenty's Decision Affect the Future of the State's Popular NFL Franchise?" MinnPost, June 3, 2009.
Zulgad, Judd. "Plan to drop funding for lower-revenue teams strikes at Vikings ." Star Tribune, December 7, 2009.
SIGNIFICANT INTERNET RESOURCES:
Governor Pawlenty's Stadium Screening Committee (television archives) - Data from the 2004 committee formed to discuss new stadium options for the Vikings, Twins, and the University of Minnesota.
History of the Metrodome - From the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC).
History Timeline - From the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota Momentum - Group dedicated to a new or improved Minnesota Vikings football stadium. The site is registered to the Minnesota Vikings.
Save the Vikes.Org - Group dedicated to lobbying for a new stadium to keep the Vikings from leaving Minnesota.
ADDITIONAL LIBRARY RESOURCES:
Check the following codes in the Newspaper Clipping File and the Vertical File:
S148.8 (Sports - Football); S150 (Stadiums)
For additional articles, check the following Inside Issues headings:
Sports Teams/Stadiums
For additional reports at the Legislative Reference Library, use these Library catalog searches:
Minnesota Vikings Football;
Metrodome
