MINNEAPOLIS, March 21 (UPI) -- Opponents of a new stadium for the Minnesota Viking say polls show broad opposition among Minnesotans to building stadiums with tax dollars.
A proposed new stadium would cost $700 million to $900 million, depending on whether it has a roof. Under a funding proposal, the Vikings would pay one third of the cost and the rest would come from the state and a local government partner, the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune reported Monday.
Opponents say they would prefer to see the existing debt-free Metrodome renovated.
Bills have come before the Legislature almost every year since 1997 attempting to authorize public money for a new pro sports facility, the newspaper said. With yet another stadium bill anticipated this week, opponents say that should re-energize a movement against dipping into taxpayers' pockets to pay for it.
"It's hard to get people into the cause when there isn't an official piece of legislation out there," said Chris David, whose Web site NoVikingsTax.com is part of the latest effort to derail the stadium proposal. "Then we'll be able to get after it."
