The Vikings invited local media for a tour of the construction site of their new downtown stadium and the stadium preview center Wednesday. The team has taken free agents on similar tours, too.

While a glimpse at the new stadium site wasn't enough to convince defensive end Michael Johnson, the most notable free agent to visit, to sign with the Vikings, owner and team president Mark Wilf said he feels the prospect of the stadium can be used as a potential recruiting tool.

"I think it makes a difference with the players," Wilf said. "They're starting to see what's coming here. And a lot of great things are happening on the field with the coach and the team, and I think that this building is part of something exciting that we're building. It certainly helps."

This time a year ago, construction crews were finishing the demolition of the Metrodome. Now, the Vikings and stadium officials said that construction of the new stadium is 50 percent complete. And the Vikings can't wait to show the world, including future free agents, the finished product.

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