With the deal finalized we can all take a big sigh of relief. The lawmakers did the right thing, and the Vikings will be around for at least another 30 years. Which really gives us here at MinneSPORTa something to talk about in that time frame.
The real question is, where will the Vikings play between now and 2016, the opening date for the Vikings new stadium. It has been said all along that the Vikings would be playing in the Metrodome until a season or so at TCF Bank Stadium. Construction on the stadium could begin behind the current dome, kicking the Vikings out of their home as they plan to renovate the area around the new stadium afterward. Final design plans have not yet been completed.
In an article by our friends at PFT, it seems as though the Vikings are preparing for a longer stay at TCF then originally thought. In an announcement from the University of Minnesota, the Vikings “may lease TCF Bank Stadium for up to four consecutive NFL seasons anticipated to start in 2013; or, they can play at the facility for all or part of one NFL season, anticipated to be the 2015 season.”
Interesting wording, it also appears that the Vikings will have to pay $250,000 a game in order to “rent” TCF bank stadium. In addition, the Vikings and university will split the money that comes in from concessions, sponsorship, and advertising, likely amounting to about $50,000 a game
We’ll keep you up-to-date as things change, but it looks like the possibility of the Vikings playing outdoors for a few years could be coming to fruition. Also, for those of you worried about the beer situation, it has been brought to my attention that beer will soon be sold at Gopher’s games, making it less of an issue for the future Vikings games.
