Vikings Stadium Unlikely At Farmer's Market Site
By Adam Thomas, NewsRadio 830 WCCO
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- It looks like the Vikings are down to only two potential sites for a new stadium. Hennepin County is no longer interested in being a partner in a stadium development near Target Field.
"It's not a setback, it's the elimination of one option," said Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley.
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The Farmer's Market plan included Hennepin County as a partner for the land acquisition and infrastructure improvements.
"Unfortunately we weren't able to come up with an agreement but we greatly appreciate their efforts," Bagley said.
Word of Hennepin County's decision came in a letter from Board Chairman Mike Opat to Gov. Mark Dayton.
Opat spearheaded Hennepin County's efforts five years ago to pass a sales tax to help build Target Field for the Minnesota Twins.
In his letter to Dayton, Opat says proposed state cuts to Hennepin County Medical Center and social service programs was a factor in his decision to halt further explorations.
The Vikings still have potential partnerships at two other locations. Those sites are in Arden Hills and at the current Metrodome location.
State lawmakers are expected to consider a stadium funding bill before their session ends in a few weeks.
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