Raising The Roof Over The Roof

I was scanning the daily online version of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune when I saw an Associated Press story about the collpased roof of the Metrodome and how much the Vikings organization was willing to chip in if a new stadium were to be built. The whole article is at StarTribune.com. The most interesting (?) parts are below.

Vikings vice president and stadium point man Lester Bagley said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that the Vikings would prefer an outdoor stadium. "A roof does not provide any benefit to the Vikings," Bagley said in the interview at team headquarters in Eden Prairie. "

 With the team's lease for the currently snow-damaged Metrodome set to expire after next season, Bagley said the team is hoping lawmakers act this year to replace a building he called "not a viable NFL facility" and ensure the Vikings stay in Minnesota. With a more than $6 billion budget deficit facing down state lawmakers, Bagley refused to speculate what would happen if the Legislature failed to act on the Vikings' request this year. Other American cities are seeking pro football teams, including Los Angeles, where two firms are currently competing to build a new NFL stadium in hopes of enticing a team there.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, during a visit to Minnesota last month, said he "certainly" hopes the Vikings don't move.

State Sen. Julie Rosen, likely lead sponsor of the stadium bill at the Capitol, said that's where Minnesota lawmakers come in.

"I do feel the Vikings could easily pick up and move," Rosen said. "Because it is a business. You have to ask yourself what would the Legislature be doing if, say, Target was threatening to move out of state? It demands a response."