The Minnesota Vikings said in a statement today that they support the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission’s decision to replace the Metrodome’s damaged roof. And then they proceeded to reiterate that what they really want isn’t a new roof. It’s a new stadium.
“We appreciate the MSFC’s efforts to ensure a safe environment for all year-round users of the publicly-owned stadium, and we are pleased the Vikings will be able to play in front of our fans at Mall of America Field during the final season of the team’s lease agreement,” the Vikings said in a statement, which was released shortly after the Commission said it would replace the snow-damaged Metrodome roof.
But the Vikings won’t be satisfied until the taxpayers build them a new stadium, and they also used the statement as an opportunity to make clear that they think a new stadium is the best thing for the Vikings and for Minnesota.
“The Vikings also want to be clear that the MSFC’s decision to replace the roof is not a long-term stadium solution and does not change the urgency to build a new multi-purpose stadium for the State and the Vikings,” the team said in its statement. “The Metrodome still ranks at the bottom of the NFL in terms of revenue and fan experience. It is our intent to pursue the final passage of legislation during this year’s legislative session to finance and construct a new stadium, and we are encouraged by the progress on that front.”
Left unsaid by the Vikings is that if they don’t get a new stadium from the state legislature in Minnesota, what they’ll look for next is a new home somewhere else.
