St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman entered the Vikings stadium debate Wednesday, offering a plan that would keep the team in Minneapolis and retiring the Target Center, according to the Star Tribune.
Coleman proposed adding a 2-cent fee to liquor sold in bars statewide to help fund the stadium as well as $75 million in upgrades to the Xcel Energy Center to accommodate the Timberwolves and a new stadium for the St. Paul Saints. But the Vikings aren’t interested in returning to Minneapolis.
“We’re going to Arden Hills,” Bagley told the Star Tribune.
A day after Minneapolis proposed building a stadium on the Metrodome site, the Vikings announced their partnership with Ramsey County to build a stadium in suburban Arden Hills. Although the site will carry a larger price tag for road improvements and land cleanup, the Vikings see more potential in Arden Hills.
Coleman said he was wary of the Arden Hills site because of the lack of infrastructure surrounding it. He didn’t say whether he fully supports the plan or not.
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned Monday without a budget deal or a Vikings stadium proposal in place. The Vikings debate could continue in a special session.