Anoka open if Vikes come a-courting

2005: Artist's redition of a proposed stadium complex in Blaine.

Anoka County still has land the Vikings once coveted for a stadium. A county official says a renewed partnership remains possible, but highly unlikely.

By PAUL LEVY, Star Tribune

Last update: October 31, 2009 - 10:01 PM

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As Vikings fans wonder what happens after the team's Dome lease expires in 2011, one stadium player long ago banished to the sidelines hasn't closed the door on a comeback: Anoka County.

Three years after the county was spurned by the Vikings, the chairman of the County Board says a Vikings stadium in Blaine, or possibly Ramsey, still could be built.

However, "I think the odds are slim to none, and they'd have to come to us," said County Commissioner Dennis Berg. "I'm not so sure we'd initiate it, but we'd be responsive if they did."

The Northstar commuter rail line might make Anoka County more enticing to the Vikings, Berg said. Land in Blaine again could be made available, he said. To the west, the city of Ramsey has land along the Mississippi River that could hold a stadium, said Mayor Bob Ramsey.

What do the Vikings say?

"We've heard comments along those lines, off and on, but we've had no conversation with Anoka County," said Lester Bagley, a team official.

Three years ago, despite pledges of $280 million from both Anoka County and the Vikings, the Legislature balked at state funding for a new $675 million stadium with a retractable roof in Blaine. In November 2006, the Vikings stunned the county, agreeing to cooperate on a study to build a stadium with a retractable roof in downtown Minneapolis, on or near the site of the Metrodome. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, owners and operators of the Dome, have become the Vikings' planning partner for such a stadium.

The Vikings face many of the obstacles downtown that they faced in Blaine. The Vikings again say they don't need a roof, while the commission insists on one.

And the team says it needs public financing. It may need private funding, too. Legislators and Gov. Tim Pawlenty haven't jumped on board.

"Anything's possible, I suppose," said Robyn West, a county commissioner known for fiscal conservatism. "I don't see how it could happen, though. Not in this economy."

West was not on the 2006 Anoka County Board. She would not likely vote for a stadium now, nor would Rhonda Sivarajah, the only commissioner to vote against the stadium the last time.

But five commissioners who voted in favor remain. The county's Steve Novak is confident the board would produce the four votes needed, but he doesn't hold much hope that it will happen.

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