It's time to build the Vikings a new stadium. So says Roy Terwilliger, Chairman of the Metropolitian Sports Facilities Commission in an Opinion Exchange submission on the Minneapolis Star Tribune web site, presumably to appear in tomorrow morning's print edition. Forgive me if I'm just a bit cynical here. The 7-8 New York Giants were playing the 11-4 Minnesota Vikings, unbeaten at home. The article is stamped today at 2:44 pm. T-Jack has been on the field the past half hour, the game well in hand. And there will be Terwilliger's article in [Monday's] paper amidst all the Vikings hoopla and playoff coverage.
To hear him tell it, we're all set. What: the design is done. Where: the current Metrodome site. Why: cheaper to build now while construction costs are down. When: Now, to be ready in three years. Only thing left: How? How to fleece us taxpayers once again?
The Governor will sign a stadium bill, any stadium bill, no question. Ordinarily, the Legislature would eventually come up with something, at the last minute like everything else. But the money isn't there and you can't hide this one in the Bonding Bill. Former Senator now lobbyist Dick Day will try the Racino approach, but either way, public opinion will be heavily against it, just like the Twins stadium. Only a Super Bowl victory will provide the kind of euphoric lull needed to pass this in the open.
What the Commission needs is a way to bypass the voters, just like the Twins stadium. It's time to give those who won't pay the ability to impose this on those who will, just like the Twins stadium. It's time to bring in Hennepin County Comissioner Mike Opat to stick us in Hennepin County once again, just like the Twins stadium.
Cross-posted and comments welcome at Speed Gibson.
