Eagan Officials Excited About Vikings Possibly Relocating Headquarters
EAGAN, Minn. (WCCO) -- As their new stadium is rising, the Minnesota Vikings are eyeing a move east of the Mississippi River.
The team's new potential neighbors are ready to welcome them with open arms.
The Vikings headquarters have been at Winter Park in Eden Prairie for 35 years. The Vikings bought nearly 200 acres of land in Eagan at the old Northwest Airlines headquarters on Tuesday.
"We're very excited," Eagan mayor Mike Maguire said. "I think them just closing on the land brings us one step closer."
In the team's preliminary plans announced last year, the Vikings said they planned to move their headquarters and training facility. They also outlined plans for a small stadium, outdoor fields, event center and possibly a hall of fame.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said the purchase of the land offers "an opportunity to transform a vacant piece of property for the benefit of the community and the region."
Owner Mark Wilf was more cautious about the deal, saying that "while completing this purchase is the next step in the potential relocation of the team's headquarters and training facility, several steps remain before a conclusion is reached."
If the Vikings are cleared by planning committees and city council, they could break ground on the new facilities by May.
