Poll: Majority Opposes Taxpayer Money for New Vikings Stadium

A new Vikings stadium would mean thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue. But some legislators and Minnesotans believe that the state shouldn't contribute to the new stadium during these tough times.

Statewide, only 18 percent of respondents polled in a FOX Rasmussen Poll believe that taxpayer money should be used for a new Vikings stadium. 76 percent of pollers said no.

When respondents were asked how worried they would be if the team didn't get stadium money and left town as a result, 65 percent said they were either not very worried or not worried at all.

Bill Lester is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which runs the Metrodome. Lester is helping the Vikings lobby for a new stadium in downtown Minneapolis.

The new stadium would cost an estimated $950 million, with the team possibly needing $700 million from the state.

Lester says the new stadium is broader than just the Vikings. Lester says the stadium would also serve the needs of college baseball, tractor pulls, and boat shows.

Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville) says with the state's current $4.57 billion budget deficit, the stadium is not a priority. "I don't know what planet they're living on to ask for money this year," she says.

But the idea of losing the Vikings is one thing many fans don't want to consider -- but loyalty has its limits. "I don't want to see 'em go," says one Vikings fan. "But I don't want to see public money at this time."

Vikings spokesperson Lester Bagley told FOX 9, "When people understand you need a competitive stadium to have an NFL team, there is more support for public involvement." Currently, there is no legislation at the Capitol from the Vikings or the MSFC with details.