With the Vikings preparing for what could be their last push toward getting a new stadium built in Minnesota, the man in charge of the franchise’s efforts has invoked the name of a place that could send shock waves through Minnesota.
Los Angeles.
John Vomhof Jr. of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports that Vikings Vice President of Stadium Development and Public Affairs Lester Bagley confirmed during an online chat that the team has been approached by the two groups that want to bring a team to Los Angeles.
One group, led by Ed Roski, wants to build a stadium in City of Industry. The other, led by Tim Leiweke and Casey Wasserman, wants to build a stadium in downtown L.A. Leiweke recently told ESPN that his group will defer to the NFL regarding the selection of the team that would move to L.A.
Though Bagley stressed that the Vikings want to find a stadium solution in Minnesota, Los Angeles provides them with leverage. And it also provides them with a viable alternative, if folks in Minnesota ultimately fail to authorize the use of public funds for a portion of the construction costs.
Either way, something needs to happen soon. The Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome expires after the 2011 season.
