Letter of the day: Two dramatically different plans to keep the Vikings

Last update: October 26, 2009 - 8:41 PM

Should the Minnesota Vikings ever be lured to Los Angeles because of a privately financed stadium there, it will just go to show that the NFL cares more about profits than tradition. While I do not generally support public financing to buy a billionaire's team a house, I see no other good option should the Vikings ever seriously consider moving. It is unfortunate that those who have the greatest resources and who stand the most to gain financially (team owners) can flip the bill to the public or move out of town.

DAVID TRIDGELL, SEATTLE

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I love the Vikings, and I love my children. But sometimes we need to say NO to those we love. Building the Vikings a stadium with public money, considering our present economic situation, is plain irresponsible government (see article on ballooning Minneapolis pension obligations, for instance). Instead of buying a stadium for $800 million, an alternative would be for the state of Minnesota to purchase the Vikings for about the same amount and solve the problem for good. By purchasing the team, the state would get a return on its investment, plus the proceeds from all the peripherals: food, parking, Brett Favre jerseys and the like. The state could sell the team at any time but stipulate the team must stay in Minnesota in perpetuity. If the owner refuses to sell the team, acquire the Vikings through eminent domain; after all, it would be for a greater good. Let's end this stadium shakedown game once and for all.

MIKE BEER, MINNEAPOLIS

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