VIKINGS STADIUM

Don't fall for NFL fake

There are 32 teams in the NFL, and my guess is that most of them have threatened to move to get what they want (like a new stadium). I don't blame them -- the tactic often works for them. But no team can move without the approval of the NFL and, realistically, that OK will not be given unless it makes business sense to the league.

According to the Wall Street Journal in 2010, the Vikings rank sixth in terms of popularity as measured by Nielson's local and national TV ratings. Actually, we tie with the Packers. There always has been talk that the Vikings will move to California, but how do California teams measure up? Only one is in the top half -- the San Diego Chargers, which ranks 13th.

In terms of actual game attendance, according to ESPN's website, the Vikings ranked 10th in the league. Their on-the-road attendance ranked 11th. In short, the Vikes fill stadiums wherever they play. If more teams produced ticket sales like the Minnesota Vikings, the NFL's billionaire owners would be even richer.

It makes no business sense for the NFL to allow the Vikings to relocate to a far less lucrative market.

I hope the Legislature does the research and asks the team and the NFL these basic business questions before they commit taxpayer money to the most expensive capital improvement plan in Minnesota's history.

WES SKOGLUND

The writer is a former state senator.