Senate passes Vikings' stadium bill
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The new stadium plan for the Minnesota Vikings was passed by the state Senate on Thursday.
The bill is awaiting the signature of governor Mark Dayton.
The Senate approved the $975 million project on a vote of 36-30.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The state's House of Representatives approved a version of the proposal earlier this week, and an amended plan passed the House early Thursday morning by a vote of 71-60.
The revamped proposal will add $50 million to the team's cost, but the club's ownership of Zygi and Mark Wilf gave an affirmative nod to the increase.
The new fixed-roof stadium would sit on the current site of the Metrodome, where the Vikings have played since 1982.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}According to the original plan unveiled in March, the Vikings were set to contribute $427 million toward the up-front costs, but the increase will make that $477 million.
The city of Minneapolis will still commit $150 million and the state of Minnesota will now fund $348 million, instead of the original $398 million. The city's part would come from redirecting a portion of existing convention center taxes, while the state would expand charitable gaming to pay its portion.
Despite the lack of a lease, the Vikings are set to play in the Metrodome next year, even if construction on a new building starts, and would likely play just one season in TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota -- a venue exposed to the elements.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The franchise played in, and exploited the benefits of, open-air Met Stadium from their inception through the end of the 1981 campaign.