« Most of the football stadiums around the country have been a net negative to the local community, the neighborhoods -- our goal is to make this a positive, something that spurs development and creates a place that will enhance downtown. »
About Mondale: The offspring of a political family, Mondale serves as the chief executive of the body that is charged with the design, construction and operation of the new $975 million Vikings stadium. The challenge will be to build a stadium that not only serves Vikings fans well, but embraces a design that will make it a true multipurpose facility for soccer, baseball and other community events. In addition, there's intense interest from the city and adjoining neighborhoods to produce a stadium that fits seamlessly with its environs and spurs development in a part of town that is now largely barren.
Personal file: Mondale is the elder son of former Vice President Walter Mondale. He has three children, Louie, 22, Amanda, 20, and Berit, 19. He attended William Mitchell College of Law and got his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Minnesota. Hobbies involve sports (biking and a Vikings, Twins fan) and he also enjoys reading. Mondale previously served as Gov. Mark Dayton's point man for the Vikings stadium during the 2012 legislative session.
What's big in 2013: A construction manager for the stadium will be named by the beginning of February, with an October groundbreaking planned. In between, the authority has to complete a design for the stadium, price out and buy the needed land for the project and figure out parking.
Final word: "We need to have the amenities that people are excited about -- this will be the only structure of its kind in the country. These big infrastructure projects are very important to our region."
JANET MOORE