Updated: 12/15/2009 10:49 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

Pawlenty, Wilf Met to Discuss Vikings Stadium

Governor Tim Pawlenty met with Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf Tuesday to discuss the team's hopes for a new stadium.

Vikings' vice president Lester Bagley told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the pair had a "Good, wide-ranging discussion about the future of the team."

Bagley said the Vikings talked about how interest rates are down, construction costs are down and how they believe it's a good time to build a stadium.

A new study for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission says the state's pro sports teams have generated more than $450 million in tax revenues since 1961. On Thursday the commission will unveil a design for a $954 million stadium that would replace the Metrodome.

Bagley said the Vikings will not attend Thursday's meeting.

He said they will instead, "Move forward with folks who want to solve the problem in 2010."

That is a reference to the spat the Vikings are having with the commission regarding a lease extension for the Metrodome.

Bagley said the Vikings will likely have some kind of comment after the meeting.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.