Minnesota Vikings Reach Tentative Minnesota Stadium Deal

Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (Photo credit: cliff1066™)

By David Bailey

(Reuters) - The Minnesota Vikings have reached a tentative $975 million deal with state and local officials to build a new public stadium for the National Football League team near the current Metrodome in Minneapolis, officials said on Thursday.

The agreement between Democratic Governor Mark Dayton, the Minneapolis mayor and the team requires approval of the Republican-led state Legislature and Minneapolis City Council, both of which have members opposed to stadium funding.

Dayton asked city council members to give it quick approval and for state lawmakers to vote up or down on a stadium in the current legislative session, which is expected to end in April.

"Now the real work begins," Dayton told a news conference. "I ask them to consider carefully what is at stake for Minneapolis and all of Minnesota." CONTINUE....