As others see it: Time for an answer on Vikings stadium

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No matter your opinion about the Minnesota Vikings’ on-field performances this season, the team is finally making all the right moves in its effort for a new stadium.

Given that, the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton should give the team the state’s answer yet this fall. Several factors make it obvious a special session before Dec. 31 is the best way to provide a final answer to this decade long debate.

First, with the game against Tampa Bay complete, please realize the Vikings have only seven more games in the Metrodome until their lease expires. (Not counting playoffs, of course.) ...

Second and similarly, despite elected state leaders doing everything from dragging their feet to throwing darts at plans they once supported, the Vikings are projecting a calm, evenkeeled attitude.

The latest example of that came when news reports surfaced that the Vikings’ share of the tab for a new Arden Hills stadium could reach $500 million, depending on final plans and potential cost overruns. According to a Star Tribune report, Lester Bagley, Vikings vice president of public affairs and stadium development, might not have liked that amount but he did not rule it out. ..

We urge legislators, Dayton and the Vikings to get the details in order soon so the governor can convene a special session this fall....

Tags: opinion, editorials, vikings, minnesota, dayton