Mar 2, 2006 11:01 am US/Central
Reality Check: Selling The Vikings Stadium Complex
(WCCO)
You'd hardly know it from the marketing blitz, but the proposed billion-dollar entertainment complex in Blaine, Minn. is
really about a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.
"Minnesota elected officials have debated the Vikings stadium issue for years," a new TV ad reads. "Now there's a plan to resolve this issue and invest $1 billion in private funds to boost our economy and create jobs."
IN FACT, that $1 billion has little to do with the stadium itself.
That's how much extra the Vikings owner would invest in an entertainment complex, but ONLY AFTER the public puts up money for the new stadium first.
The stadium would cost $675 million, with the Vikings kicking in $280 million. Another $280 million comes from Anoka County taxpayers and a higher sales tax, and $115 million from the state.
The ad reads, "Northern Lights -- Minnesota's sports, retail and entertainment center -- is an exciting destination with a new stadium, shops, restaurants, movie theaters and 260 acres of wetlands and trails."
That description is INCOMPLETE.
The Vikings complex cannot be built unless Anoka County raises its sales tax by three quarters of a penny.
The county can't do that unless the Legislature gives it permission, and lawmakers might not give permission unless the people who live in Anoka County get a chance to vote on it.
"A new citizens' coalition is supporting this project," the ad reads. "To join or learn more, please call or visit our Web site."
And that's NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
The Vikings hired a California public relations group to make their Minnesota case.
Winner & Mandabach claims a 90 percent success rate, most recently winning California passage of stem cell research and defeating plans for non-Indian casinos.
Next target: Minnesota lawmakers.
That's Reality Check.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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