HISTORY OF MINNESOTA MOMENTUM

2006 Legislative Session

Minnesota Momentum™ was established in the spring of 2006. Led by co-chair Bud Grant, the coalition was designed to reach out to Minnesota citizens and ask them to show their support for the stadium project by joining as members. Minnesota Momentum’s impact was immediate, as the coalition recruited thousands of Vikings and NFL fans in less than a year via e-mail and the internet. Many of those members made their presence felt throughout the 2006 Legislative Session, contacting their representatives via e-mail and phone and voicing their opinions during several committee hearings. That support helped move the Vikings bill into the final stages before legislators ultimately decided to pass stadium bills for both the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Twins but left the Vikings situation for a future Session.

2007 Legislative Session

Despite the early success of Minnesota Momentum and the progress in 2006, the Vikings continued to hear from fans and state leaders that a downtown stadium was preferred. Given the significant cost and infrastructure advantage to the Metrodome site, the Vikings shift to a new stadium on the current Metrodome site took place in November of 2006. As a result, the team refocused its efforts during the 2007 Legislative Session on creating awareness and building support for the new Downtown East plan. The Vikings partnered with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (MSFC), owners of the Metrodome, in conducting a “Listening Tour” that allowed fans throughout the state an opportunity to hear details and provide necessary feedback on the Vikings’ stadium development proposal. During the tour, members of the Commission emphasized the urgency in which Minnesota must act due to cost inflation and the Vikings lease expiring in 2011. They also underscored the benefits the state of Minnesota receives from having a year-round facility that hosts many types of events with a significant economic impact for our region.

2008 Legislative Session

Given the feedback received from state leaders, it is clear a stadium decision will not be reached in 2008. Last December, the Governor and Legislative Leadership told NFL executives visiting Minnesota that 2009 is the year to resolve the Vikings stadium issue. The Vikings will work with these state leaders to ensure the project stays on this timeline. Financing a stadium in the spring of 2009 keeps the Vikings’ on the 2012 timeline to open a new stadium, which is critical due to rising construction costs and the team’s Metrodome lease set to expire after the 2011 season. While the team remains positive about a future stadium solution, much work remains between now and the 2009 Legislative Session, including continuing to gather supporters for Minnesota Momentum.