For Vikings, it's first and long again in St. Paul

Armed with drawings, charts and a sense of urgency, supporters of a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings came to the Capitol on Friday.

What they still don't have is a financial plan or any chance of the Legislature approving their proposed $954 million stadium this session.

"Nothing this year," said Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, after representatives of the Vikings and the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission addressed the Senate Taxes Committee.

It was the first committee to hear the Vikings' stadium proposal this session.

"Next year, maybe," Pogemiller said. "And 2009 is realistic."

Q: Why the sense of urgency?

A: Although the Vikings' Metrodome lease doesn't expire until 2011, the Twins and the University of Minnesota are building open-air stadiums.

A new Vikings stadium would have a retractable roof, making it the only local venue that could host a Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four or year-round high school tournaments, said Bill Lester, executive director of the Sports Facilities Commission.

The commission, owner of the Metrodome, has taken the lead role in seeking a new home for Minnesota's pro football team.

"This is our last and only opportunity to have a facility with a retractable roof," Lester said.

Q: Where could Vikings fans tailgate before games?

A: The new stadium would be built on the Metrodome site in downtown Minneapolis, but the surrounding area would be developed as well, including parking lots.

A light-rail station, not far south of the new stadium, would be designed for tailgaters, said Lester Bagley, Vikings vice president for public affairs and stadium development.

Vikings cheerleaders and former players signing autographs could be part of the scene. Packers and Bears fans needn't stop here.

Q: Here's the $954 million question: Who pays for the new stadium?

A: "What are we going to hook the taxpayers on this time?" asked Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove. "The immediate concern that comes to my mind is, 'Oh, here we go again.' "

Q: If the Vikings have no financial partner, why meet with legislators?

A: "To get the conversation started," said Roy Terwilliger, chairman of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

"This is an issue that's not going to go away," said Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook. He said that if a Vikings stadium was not approved this session, "then it will have to be next year."

Q: What's next?

A: The Vikings know the process, having dealt with the Legislature when the team sought approval for a proposed stadium in Blaine with former partner Anoka County. The Vikings and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission hope to meet with the House Taxes Committee next week, Bagley said.

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419 • plevy@startribune.com