Dungy knows value of building stadium

Tony Dungy, who spoke in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, was interested in how the Vikings are doing in getting a new stadium because he coached for two franchises -- Tampa Bay and Indianapolis -- that were in danger of losing their teams if they didn't build a stadium.

Like here, Dungy said, they had to go through the tough task of getting new stadiums funded. But he said the teams' perseverance really paid off, and the people who were against building the stadiums with tax money in those cities were the biggest boosters after the stadiums were up.

"It was difficult in both [cities] because it's a big investment," Dungy said. "People don't want to be taxed to get the stadiums going. But both in Tampa and Indianapolis, it was so critical to having the teams stay and have success. What we did is find other things to do with the stadium, other ways that they could serve the community. I think that's what has to be done. But it's a struggle, but it's worth it when it finally gets done."

Dungy added: "We started winning in Tampa. We were able to have other events there, concerts and different things. Same thing in Indianapolis, Final Fours and different events, big concerts and having the [NFL] combine there. It brings more than just the 10 football dates a year, and that's what you have to keep in mind."

Dungy said Tampa Bay and Indianapolis were in danger of losing their teams if stadiums weren't built.

"Obviously you want to keep the team," he said. "The teams can't survive without it. It's one of the things that goes along with professional football."

Dungy, a great motivational speaker who is sought all over the country, spoke about how I could have changed his most successful career.

Yes, I did. One of the General Mills CEOs called me and wanted me to help him get in touch with Dungy to offer him a real good job just coming out of college.

Luckily, Dungy didn't listen to me.

Bruininks convinced University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks visited Gophers football practice Tuesday, and all he did was rave about new coach Jerry Kill and how he has been accepted by the public.

Contrary to what a lot of people believe -- that Kill was not one of the Gophers' top choices and was picked after a lot of other coaches turned down the job -- Bruininks said Kill was in the top five from the start.

"Give him three years and he is going to be a big winner," Bruininks said. "We've got the right guy this time."

However, Bruininks was never a big booster of Glen Mason, and he had more to do with firing Mason than athletic director Joel Maturi. That turned out to be a real mistake, considering what happened during Brewster's tenure.

Bruininks is a big fan of Maturi.

"I've offered Joel a year extension on his current contract [which ends in June 2012]," Bruininks said. "So far he hasn't accepted it. I assume he is waiting to see what the new president wants to do."

The new president, Eric Kaler, takes over in June.

Getting to know them Vikings coach Leslie Frazier was asked what the routine was when they brought in some 30 draft-eligible players this week.

"Also, our medical staff will get a chance to interact with them and get a better feel for where they are physically, also. ... [If there are players] we didn't get at the combine, we get the chance to get them here."

Jottings • The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that before Missouri hired Frank Haith as its new men's basketball coach, the university made a strong bid to interest the Gophers' Tubby Smith. But Smith told them he didn't have any interest in moving.

• The Gophers will hold a football practice that is open to the public at 7:30 p.m. April 15 at TCF Bank Stadium.

• One of the hottest tickets for a sports event we've had in this area in a while is the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals and final, where scalpers are getting as much as $450 for a $195 ticket for the two-day tournament. Some 200-plus standing room tickets also were sold at $195. The tournament could set an Xcel Energy Center attendance record of more than 19,000.

• Former Gophers quarterback Ricky Foggie has been named the new head football coach at Park Center.

• The Gophers are looking at two junior college players as possible replacements for Colton Iverson, who has decided to transfer. Andre Ingram, a 6-7 forward at Butler County (Kan.) Community College who played high school basketball at Minnesota Transitions in Minneapolis, is scheduled to visit the Minnesota campus this week. The other player the Gophers have some interest in is Guy Landry, a 6-5 shooting guard of Midland (Texas) College.

• Ben Hamilton, the former Gophers and NFL offensive lineman, has retired because of concussion problems after playing nine years with the Broncos and last season with the Seahawks.

• Two Minnesota natives who played college hockey at Rensselaer have signed pro contracts. Edina native and former Holy Angels standout Chase Polacek has signed with Peoria of the American Hockey League, the top affiliate of the St. Louis Blues. Teammate Jeff Foss of Moorhead has signed with Milwaukee of the AHL, the top affiliate of the Nashville Predators.

• Former Gophers forward Jamal Abu-Shamala is playing for Rayos de Hermosillo in the Mexican League and is averaging 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks through 14 games. Abu-Shamala scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a victory over Tijuana last Friday.

• The Athletics, the opponent for the Twins' home opener Friday, have three former Minnesota relievers: Craig Breslow, Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes. ... Former Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera is off to a hot start playing second base for the Cleveland Indians, hitting 6-for-16 with a home run and five RBI. He also was involved in the first triple play of the season Sunday, when the Indians beat the White Sox 7-1.