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STATE OF MINNESOTA
OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TIM PAWLENTY
130 State Capitol - Saint Paul, MN 55155

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 4, 2003

Contact: Leslie Kupchella
(651) 296-0001

 

GOVERNOR PAWLENTY SEEKS STADIUM PROPOSALS
~Requests site and financing proposals from local leaders, teams and citizens~

Saint Paul - Saying that stadium solutions in Minnesota have been "more elusive than Randy Moss running a deep pattern," Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced he will lead efforts to identify viable options for addressing the stadium needs of Minnesota's sports teams.

The Governor will request proposals from cities, counties, business leaders, developers, team owners, and others who are interested in being part of the solution to stadium needs. The deadline for the proposals is January 15, 2004. Once received, a screening committee appointed by the Pawlenty Administration will review the proposals. The recommendations of the screening committee will be forwarded to the Governor.

"Minnesota is fortunate to have professional and college sports teams that contribute to our quality of life," Governor Pawlenty said. "Although the economics of professional sports are a mess, the reality is that having professional sports teams makes our state more competitive and appealing. The stadium issue cannot continue to be swept under the rug indefinitely. The Twins and Vikings are not going to remain in the Metrodome much longer. We need to take steps to make sure the teams remain viable - and in Minnesota. The issue is difficult and brings out many emotions. However, the situation demands leadership."

Governor Pawlenty also said Minnesota has been on a "distracting and upsetting roller coaster ride" as the Twins and Vikings have discussed possible sale, relocation, and contraction as a result of stadium frustrations.

The screening committee, which will be chaired by Finance Commissioner Dan McElroy, will be composed of 19 members, including six members of the Legislature. Members will be recruited from a cross-section of community leaders and will be tasked with reviewing all submitted stadium proposals and identifying viable solutions for further consideration.

The review process will include several public hearings, at which groups will have the opportunity to present their proposals. After a rigorous review of the plans, the screening committee will submit final recommendations on both location and financing for the Governor's review. The meetings of the committee will be open to the public. Citizen ideas will be encouraged and welcomed.

The Governor reiterated that new stadiums are far from a forgone conclusion, but said it was important to take a "first step in identifying realistic options because the current situation will not last."

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The Stadium Screening Committee delivered its recommendation to the Governor on February 2, 2004. It has subsequently been dissolved. The stadium issue is now in the legislative process. Please direct questions and comments on this issue to your local legislators."