Return
to: 
Stadium debate heads into final innings
May 11, 2006
Star Tribune
A critical, final phase in the big-bucks fight over three new sports stadiums took shape Thursday amid suggestions that the Minnesota Vikings are struggling to stay in contention.
The House and Senate selected their negotiators to work out a deal on professional sports stadiums. Meanwhile, University of Minnesota boosters brought in star players and a famous football alumnus to make the case for an on-campus stadium.
The differences are stark: The House approved a standalone Twins ballpark bill, paid for in large part with a higher Hennepin County sales tax. The Senate's version would build new stadiums for the Twins and Vikings, relying on a metrowide sales tax that would also fund transit projects.
Both chambers have independent Gopher stadium plans, although a technical glitch in how the bills were passed has left the plans in limbo while legislative leaders search for a way out.
To read more, go to http://www.startribune.com/587/story/426844.html
