Editorial: A promising path to a stadium solution

It's become clear that there's a credible chance for a Minnesota Vikings stadium deal to finally be completed this year if all parties can come to terms with one central reality.

That's a welcome turn of events for those who want to help secure the NFL franchise as a state asset while adding new life to downtown Minneapolis.

Gov. Mark Dayton, whose leadership on the issue has been strong and consistent, made it clear Tuesday that the only site for the stadium that could win legislative approval this year is the Metrodome location.

That's the message he will deliver in person Wednesday to team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf, who requested the meeting.

At least one key legislator, Republican Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, said she has come to the same conclusion. And she's expected to be on hand for the session with the Wilfs to reinforce the governor's message.

The merits of the Metrodome site were clear when it was chosen over competing locations in 1979. It remains the lowest-cost, common-sense option with the greatest potential return on investment for a major-league city.

In partnership with the Vikings, the community can build a new NFL-quality stadium with the kind of fan amenities and integration with downtown transit and entertainment options that will help ensure the economic viability of the team and stadium for decades to come.

(Disclosure: The value of property owned by the Star Tribune near the Metrodome could be affected by the stadium decision.)

Arden Hills' Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site in Ramsey County and the Farmers Market and Linden Avenue locations in downtown Minneapolis have all been vetted.

Too many hurdles exist at all three locations -- from lack of public financing (Arden Hills) to property acquisition and construction obstacles (Farmers Market) to opposition from the Basilica of St. Mary (Linden Avenue).

The Dome site, although not the No. 1 choice of the Vikings, is the last and best hope for the team in 2012.

That's not to suggest the Dome solution is a lock. Winning the necessary approvals from the City Council and state Legislature presents a challenge that will take considerable cajoling by Mayor R.T. Rybak, Dayton and legislative leaders.

Complex negotiations with the University of Minnesota over the use of TCF Stadium during construction remain in limbo. Financing is an issue, although this page is encouraged by Rybak's preliminary work on city financing and the idea of using revenue from electronic pull-tabs in bars to fund the state portion of the deal.

All the more reason why the Vikings, the downtown business community and key constituencies should take Dayton's lead and present a united front on the Dome site.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also should be convinced by now that state and local officials have worked in good faith to help the Vikings, including being willing to invest $600 million or so in public financing in the $900 million-plus deal. Dayton has been in regular consultation with Goodell.

The project will only grow more expensive with the passage of time. Debate surrounding it is also likely to intensify, not abate, despite the wishful thinking of lawmakers who would rather postpone action until after November's election.

Until the Vikings are tethered to Minnesota, the stadium issue will be a fixture in public debate.

Finally, after years of effort and negotiation, there is a reasonable chance that a stadium solution is at hand. None of the key constituencies involved should let that opportunity slip away.

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