Wilf gives update on stadium to builders

Jim Gehrz, Star Tribune

Zygi Wilf

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf gave a group of construction-industry officials their view of what to expect next on the stadium front.

By JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: February 11, 2009 - 7:12 AM

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf played host to 29 leaders from the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council and local unions Tuesday at Winter Park to provide an update on where things stand in the team's quest for a new stadium on the site of the Metrodome.

The Vikings, whose lease expires after the 2011 season, are hoping the issue will be addressed during this legislative session, but given the current state of the economy there is no guarantee that will happen.

Dick Anfang, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, expressed optimism after Tuesday's meeting, saying "it went very well" and pledged his support to help lobby for the Vikings' cause at the State Capitol.

The Vikings have pointed out previously that while they are looking for public funding in getting a stadium, the construction of the venue would help jump-start the economy by creating numerous jobs and providing roughly $500 million or more to local contractors.

"The construction would take four years, but I anticipate over those four years you would probably have anywhere from 4,500 to 5,500 people hit the job for varying lengths of time," Anfang said. "The magnitude of this project and the magnitude of the potential stimulus to other projects is awesome given the fact we've worked so long to get the Twins and University of Minnesota [football] stadiums built. This would be the crowning jewel provided we can get this done."

The Vikings are expecting to have a definite price on the project in the next 30 to 60 days; the current projection is the stadium could be built for $954 million, and Wilf has said the ownership group would contribute $250 million.

Lester Bagley, Vikings vice president of public affairs and stadium development, also was pleased with Tuesday's meeting.

"It was a good discussion," he said. "We talked about the urgency and the fact that our lease is up in 30 games. We have a good relationship with organized labor, and they have been a good ally at the Capitol. They are influential at the Legislature. ... This project will provide thousands of jobs and boost economic activity when it's needed most."

Another ticket option

The Vikings, who have frozen their 2009 ticket prices because of the economy, will offer a layaway plan for purchasing season tickets through the noncredit-based payment option of eLayawaySPORTS.

While the Vikings' standard renewal process consists of three invoicing cycles with equal payments due in March, April and May, eLayawaySPORTS will enable purchases to be paid directly from bank accounts via a customized payment plan that can stretch into late July. There is a 1.9 percent transaction fee.

The New Orleans Saints were the first team to use eLayawaySPORTS. For more information, call 612-338-4537 or visit www.vikings.com/eLayaway.

Etc.

• With free agency set to begin on Feb. 27, the Vikings are about $28 million under the $123 million salary cap for the 2009 season.

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