Ranger

But how many are confusing UND for the Ag school?

"Just". Can't wait to see my share of Rybak's promised property tax reduction...

In Dayton's case.... Yes. The guy is incredibly inarticulate. It's painful watching him in any public setting.

That's exactly what Dayton, Rybak, and Wilf are expecting.

I understand the public corruption investigation has already begun.

Gambling and hospitality funded. Could have been better with the legalization and taxation of prostitution and weed.

Insane, isn't it?

Not ignoring the other events.... but no matter how many attempts are made to convince that high school baseball games, antique shows, tractor pulls, motorcross, walk-a-thons, etc., are bringing in big crowds with hugh tax dollars attached, the more I want these people to invest in my beach front property in South Dakota. Forgive me for wanting hard facts about the net tax revenue interested parties are receiving from these so-called 200-300 events. Until then, it's all speculative numbers. The only "unique" benefit I see from having a pro football team is reading about which player was arrested for DUI and/or beating us his girlfriend. Minneapolis can not compete with LA, NY, Seattle, Chicago, Denver.... we can not afford to participate in a popularity contest.

More people visit the Mall of America the day after Thanksgiving than all of the Vikings home games combined. The mall was provided tax incentives, but the city and state didn't fund 70 percent of the complex. The mall's tax base vastly overshadows anything the Vikings have or will do. Not buying the PR argument. No business has moved to or stayed in MN because there is/was not a pro team here, certainly not one of the 20ish F500 companies.

Yes, he walked from the Anoka deal. What isn't discussed (or completely known) is the interest debt to allow funding to float for 30 years. This will eventually equate to hundreds of millions. The Minneapolis tax is set to expire in 7/8 years, but will be extended 30 years. The city is also on the hook for a set annual upkeep fee ($5M+?), plus it is required to keep the facility "world class", which will likely lead to the owners demanding constant facility upgrades. This is a bad deal all around. I can't blame the Wilfs... they hooked the suckers.

Makes sense... so using last year's payroll numbers, MN players would pony up about $3.6M last year, not including pre-season, training, bonuses?

I understand that argument and can support it, but then remove Minneapolis from the funding and yearly maintenenace equation. Especially since this argument screams the stadium and the team is a state asset. It's just as grossly unfair to demand Minneapolis residents (at least a tax collected and extended in Minneapolis) to be one of the tiered funding mechanisms. I'm still waiting for the Hennepin County Tax Payer Appreciation Day at the Twins park.

And those numbers assume the players live in MN the entire year (or is it 51% in MN?).... which I assume the vast majority don't. I've always wondered, does a player file state taxes in each state they play in? I'm not a tax accountant, but there must be some interesting strategies involved.

Not to mention the tips and lap dances at Deju Vu. Perhaps sales, hospitality, and merchandise taxes and other fees should be raised on game days plus/minus 2 days and pay-per-view all home games. Why not demand the fans, players, and owners fund their entertainment. There are reputable studies that indicate sport franchises provide very little economic advantages, as there are studies that suggest just the opposite. Bottom line, all parties are having a hard time selling any deal that is mostly dependent upon tax payer financing.

Also, don't dismiss the interest on the borrowed cash (state and city). One recent report suggests Minneapolis' share could bloat to $892M in the 30 year schedule.

Yes, the Linden Hills/Lynnhurst areas are nice places to shack up... Broders is a fam favorite. TB, OK...but haven't been in some time.

I agree, they will be out, if they support it. Also, I would love for my section of south Minneapolis, Lyndhurst, to seceed from the city of Minneapolis. We've grown tired of our tax dollars supporting the causes of all.

Apples and oranges... roads are requirements for commerce and safety... a vikings stadium, not so much.

Actually, it did. The report has it broken down by county, city, hotel, liquor... -Total operating costs: 509.8M -Total tax revenues: 458.7M That's from combined twins, vikings, timberwolves, and wild/stars operations dated 1961-2009. How long to recoop a billion dollars? Also, if a business' biz plan depends on receipts from 8 days, then, well, they need a new biz plan.

And the Twins are kicking ass....just saying. Another "state" asset supported by a few (Hennepin County only). I'm a major tax payer as well, and am pissed that the legislature and the mayor support bypassing Minneapolis law that requires a vote on these issues. You are right, this will affect future elections. Good bye Rybak and supporting commissioners. Why not fund the stadium by using fees and other taxes directed toward fans, including pay per view for out staters. Then those who are true fans can directly support the team.

It does matter as long as it's touted that Wilf is paying for 45 percent of costs? He's not.

The 966 supporters are on board right up until money is directly taken out of their pockets. That's the minnesota way. Hey, I'm for building a stadium, just as long as the out-staters pay for it.

The Minnesota Sports Commission report from a year or two back noted that the total tax dollars collected since 1960 that we're attributable to all professional sports teams was ~400 million. That's 400M in 50 years. Not a profit considering the costs of the venues. If these adventures actually made money, private investors would be throwing money at them. Just like public transportation.

Not exactly... Wilf's portion seems unknown. I'ts my understanding that a large portion of his contribution is actually coming from the NFL, low or no interest loans, fees, naming rights, advertisement, etc. Not directly from his checkbook.

If the team was truely a "state" asset as the stadium supporters claim, statewide funds would be collected to fund the billion dollar project. Govenor Dayton sealed the stadium's fate by practically vetoing ever bill placed before him this session. I don't see many GOP votes swinging his way on Monday. Call their bluff. The team cannot leave soon enough.