Posted by Mike Florio on January 21, 2009, 4:38 p.m.
As the efforts of the Vikings to finagle a new stadium in the Twin Cities with public money seem less likely to bear fruit with each passing day, the team recently has commenced the process of hinting at the possibility of a move.
The Vikings dropped the biggest hint yet on Wednesday, when V.P. of public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley said that the team is watching the developments relating to the potential development of a new stadium near Los Angeles “with interest.”
It’s a far different tune that the one Bagley was singing in August 2008.
“They have knocked on the door, but we have declined,” Bagley said at the time of the interest demonstrated by Ed Roski’s group, which is spearheading the effort to lure a team (or maybe two) back to Los Angeles after an extended absence of NFL football there.
“We feel some momentum,” Bagley said in August regarding efforts to build a new stadium in Minnesota. “Our leadership in the state needs to step up and get engaged in a solution, but we’re making some progress. Incremental progress. So, [owner] Zygi [Wilf] basically declined to meet [with Roski] at this time.”
Since then, Bagley has said that the Wilfs are getting “frustrated” by the lack of progress.
“It’s reality-check time,” Bagley said earlier this month. “If we want an NFL franchise in this state, we have to resolve the stadium issue. Time is running out. If nothing gets done, then maybe the Wilfs throw in the towel.”
And time really is running out. The Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome covers only three more seasons, through 2011. Coincidentally, Roski’s new stadium is scheduled to open in 2012.
Other teams that could end up in Los Angeles include the Bills, the Jaguars, the Chargers, the Raiders, the 49ers, the Rams, and the Saints.
seriously stupid minnesotans get your head straight!!
As the efforts of the Vikings to finagle a new stadium in the Twin Cities with public money seem less likely to bear fruit with each passing day, the team recently has commenced the process of hinting at the possibility of a move.
The Vikings dropped the biggest hint yet on Wednesday, when V.P. of public affairs and stadium development Lester Bagley said that the team is watching the developments relating to the potential development of a new stadium near Los Angeles “with interest.”
It’s a far different tune that the one Bagley was singing in August 2008.
“They have knocked on the door, but we have declined,” Bagley said at the time of the interest demonstrated by Ed Roski’s group, which is spearheading the effort to lure a team (or maybe two) back to Los Angeles after an extended absence of NFL football there.
“We feel some momentum,” Bagley said in August regarding efforts to build a new stadium in Minnesota. “Our leadership in the state needs to step up and get engaged in a solution, but we’re making some progress. Incremental progress. So, [owner] Zygi [Wilf] basically declined to meet [with Roski] at this time.”
Since then, Bagley has said that the Wilfs are getting “frustrated” by the lack of progress.
“It’s reality-check time,” Bagley said earlier this month. “If we want an NFL franchise in this state, we have to resolve the stadium issue. Time is running out. If nothing gets done, then maybe the Wilfs throw in the towel.”
And time really is running out. The Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome covers only three more seasons, through 2011. Coincidentally, Roski’s new stadium is scheduled to open in 2012.
Other teams that could end up in Los Angeles include the Bills, the Jaguars, the Chargers, the Raiders, the 49ers, the Rams, and the Saints.
seriously stupid minnesotans get your head straight!!
