Politics & Government

Poll: Would You Buy a Seat License to Help Pay for Vikings Stadium?

A Fridley Minnesota Vikings season ticket-holder is dubious about the scheme.

What do you think of buying seat licenses for Minnesota Vikings games at a new stadium—maybe ?

One Fridley resident, P.J. Wiggan, has had season tickets for more than 10 years but told Minnesota Public Radio he isn't crazy about the idea of buying seat licenses, given the team's record on the field:

"If I looked at it as an investment opportunity, I could maybe start to justify it. ... But an investment in the Vikings is as dangerous as almost any out there, as far as, you know, we've had four Super Bowl losses, we've multiple recent NFC championship game losses. This is a team that has not yet shown that it knows how to win the big games."

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Legislators' Positions on Stadium Plans

Fridley-area legislators have been outspoken about plans for a Minnesota Vikings stadium.

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State Sen. Barb Goodwin (DFL-50), who represents western and southern portions of Fridley, at a Senate hearing last week.

State Rep. Kate Knuth (DFL-50B) represents the southeastern corner of Fridley as well as a portion of Arden Hills. She has periodically , including in a Nov. 18 email to constituents:

Vikings Stadium Update

The stadium issue continues to be a major discussion both at the Capitol and in our community. Governor Dayton has been working on the issue with many interested parties. The Vikings preferred site is in Arden Hills at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP), which means our community has a big interest in the stadium discussions.

Ramsey County recently announced it has negotiated a purchase agreement with the Army to buy the TCAAP property.  The agreement is contingent on state funding, and it is an important step in getting the TCAAP site cleaned up and in use.  While I continue to hear different opinions on building a stadium on the site, there is wide agreement that it is in the community’s interest to get the TCAAP site cleaned up.

The discussion of various funding options also continues.  One major change is the elimination of a half-cent sales tax in Ramsey County as a funding option. I was not supportive of this half-cent sales tax, and I am glad it is no longer being considered as a funding option.  Some stadium supporters have also advocated for the use of Legacy Amendment dollars to partially fund a new stadium. I oppose the use of Legacy money because I do not believe voters intended to use Legacy money for a stadium.

In the past year, many of you have contacted me about the stadium discussions. I hope you will continue to stay informed and contact me as well as your other elected officials. The City of Arden Hills website has comprehensive information about stadium proposal developments, and I encourage you to visit this site regularly for information. The Minnesota Senate has announced 2 public hearings for Minnesotans to express their views on the various proposed plans. The hearings will take place on November 29 and December 6, and they will be open to the public. The House has not announced hearings about stadium proposals.

In the state Senate district just south of Fridley, several of the six candidates vying to replace Larry Pogemiller (DFL-59) in a special primary election Tuesday have made stadium financing a central part of their campaigns.


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