Vikings will "likely play" at TCF Stadium

[cemba99]

Although I guess it was a reasonable assumption, I had not yet seen it in print that the University is acknowledging that the Vikings will "likely play" at TCF Bank stadium during construction of a new stadium (if it occurs).

http://www.startribune.com/local/70429162.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs

I particularly liked Richard Pfutzenreuter's (CFO for the University) quote at the end of the article:

"We're not dumb here," he said. "They're going to need to play" at the university. "There's been no discussion of terms and conditions -- and there will be terms and conditions."

Ja think the U might let a little alcohol be served during a Vikings game?

I can think of several "conditions" that the U needs to impose on the Vikings - nothing too drastic just the same deal that the Vikings game them at the Metrodome:
- no suite revenue
- minimal percentage of concession stand revenue (including Vikings jerseys, etc.)
- no parking revenue
- no use of the stadium for practices

Any others??

[Hates Monikers]

I have very little doubt that the Vikings will ultimately share the stadium with the Gophers permanently. The Vikings are not going to come up with the $750 million in public money they are looking for to build their own stadium. The Legislature will pressure the U of M, threaten their academic funding and give them just enough money for their troubles to be convincing. And that will suck.

[howeda7]

I have very little doubt that the Vikings will ultimately share the stadium with the Gophers permanently. The Vikings are not going to come up with the $750 million in public money they are looking for to build their own stadium. The Legislature will pressure the U of M, threaten their academic funding and give them just enough money for their troubles to be convincing. And that will suck.

That will never happen. The Vikings would never agree to it, and the U would go kicking and screaming. There's no sense making everyone unhappy and having the same stupid debate 10 years later when the Vikings insist on moving out.

[howeda7]

Although I guess it was a reasonable assumption, I had not yet seen it in print that the University is acknowledging that the Vikings will "likely play" at TCF Bank stadium during construction of a new stadium (if it occurs).

http://www.startribune.com/local/70429162.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs

I particularly liked Richard Pfutzenreuter's (CFO for the University) quote at the end of the article:

"We're not dumb here," he said. "They're going to need to play" at the university. "There's been no discussion of terms and conditions -- and there will be terms and conditions."

Ja think the U might let a little alcohol be served during a Vikings game?

I can think of several "conditions" that the U needs to impose on the Vikings - nothing too drastic just the same deal that the Vikings game them at the Metrodome:
- no suite revenue
- minimal percentage of concession stand revenue (including Vikings jerseys, etc.)
- no parking revenue
- no use of the stadium for practices

Any others??

Stop with the bitterness towards the Vikings. Other then the suites, all of the 'bad deals' the Gophers had at the Dome were the fault of the MSFC, not the Vikings.

[dpodoll68]

I have very little doubt that the Vikings will ultimately share the stadium with the Gophers permanently. The Vikings are not going to come up with the $750 million in public money they are looking for to build their own stadium. The Legislature will pressure the U of M, threaten their academic funding and give them just enough money for their troubles to be convincing. And that will suck.

This will never happen in a million years. The Vikings will have no interest in sharing a 50,000 seat stadium. They can't generate enough revenue in the 60,000 seat stadium they have now - how would they do that with diminished capacity?

As much as it pains me to say, the Vikings will be gone if they do not break ground on a new stadium within the next 3 years. And I, for one, will never watch the NFL again.

[Jike Spingleton]

As much as it pains me to say, the Vikings will be gone if they do not break ground on a new stadium within the next 3 years. And I, for one, will never watch the NFL again.

Happy trails.... (http://www.losangelesfootballstadium.com/)

[GoAUpher]

I have very little doubt that the Vikings will ultimately share the stadium with the Gophers permanently. The Vikings are not going to come up with the $750 million in public money they are looking for to build their own stadium. The Legislature will pressure the U of M, threaten their academic funding and give them just enough money for their troubles to be convincing. And that will suck.

Where is my head slamming into wall emoticon when I need it? For the thousandth time...this is NOT going to happen.
- There are not enough suites
- There are over 9000 block M's throughout the stadium
- There is no Viking's locker room...the Vikes aren't going to be housed in a locker room with a giant Block M in it.
- The visitor's locker room isn't up to NFL standards
- They wouldn't get to control the revenue streams like parking, suites, etc
- The U already said a shared stadium runs counter to their mission YEARS AGO. There is no way to force them to change their mind.
- The seats are maroon and gold and spell out Minnesota and a block M.
- etc, etc, etc.

This is a college stadium. Adding more seats and replacing the benches with seatbacks doesn't change that. It is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Jeebus!

[GVBadger]

The Vikings will certainly use the stadium when the new one is being built.

I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it. It would create a lot of additonal revenue for the U for a couple of years.

The fact that there was a bad lease at the Metrodome for the Gophers has nothing to do with the Vikings. The Vikings don't like their lease at the Metrodome.

They will never share a stadium permanently.

[parkinglotgopher]

The (750) million dollar question remains - where are the Vikings going to get the money for this new stadium they want?

[gopher1956]

I attended the one game that the Minnesota Vikings played in 1969 at Memorial stadium against Bart Star and the hated Packers. The Vikings killed them with a great front four. It was better than any gopher footbal game that I have attended in the past 40 years. Hopefully the Vikings will play at the bank again soon. It will be the only way we will see winning football any time soon at the U of M.

[dpodoll68]

I attended the one game that the Minnesota Vikings played in 1969 at Memorial stadium against Bart Star and the hated Packers. The Vikings killed them with a great front four. It was better than any gopher footbal game that I have attended in the past 40 years. Hopefully the Vikings will play at the bank again soon. It will be the only way we will see winning football any time soon at the U of M.

Hmm. 6-5 this year. 4-3 at home.

You shouldn't make your agenda so glaringly obvious. You're pathetic.

[MBAGuy]

I attended the one game that the Minnesota Vikings played in 1969 at Memorial stadium against Bart Star and the hated Packers. The Vikings killed them with a great front four. It was better than any gopher footbal game that I have attended in the past 40 years. Hopefully the Vikings will play at the bank again soon. It will be the only way we will see winning football any time soon at the U of M.

Is there a "blows head off" emoticon available?

[gopher1956]

:pig::pig:

We should ask the Gophers to move to LA and keep the Vikings if you ask me.

[PlayHosea]

The Vikings will certainly use the stadium when the new one is being built.

I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it. It would create a lot of additonal revenue for the U for a couple of years.

The fact that there was a bad lease at the Metrodome for the Gophers has nothing to do with the Vikings. The Vikings don't like their lease at the Metrodome.

They will never share a stadium permanently.I don't know anything about the lease or situation, so feel free to jump down my throat here, but the only way I see the Vikings playing in TCF is if they rebuild on the Metrodome site. If something rematerializes with Anoka county, why wouldn't they play in the Dome while the new stadium is built? Or have the Vikings said that they need to have the new stadium downtown?

[ilovethebarn]

The Vikes will get their stadium. Then they will play at TCF for 2 seasons while they wait for their stadium to be built. The state has to understand that you can't let the VIkings leave. If they do they will end up getting the NFL back here again at a much higher price. Ultimately costing the tax payers much more money than building them a new stadium now. Who cares about a roof either? Just build one without a roof and the cost will be 200 M less.

[drunkenMNgopher]

Happy trails.... (http://www.losangelesfootballstadium.com/)
I sure as hell don't want my tax dollars going to a new professional stadium. If the Vikes want a new stadium, pony up a boatload of their own cash. If not, c'ya! Having a pro team here is good for our local economy but the Vikes can renovate MOA Field (haha) and save a ton of cash. They don't want to, oh well. Enjoy LA!

[awag777]

^ I hate "fans" like you. Whine whine whine whine whine.

[alpinegopher]

The Vikes will get their stadium. Then they will play at TCF for 2 seasons while they wait for their stadium to be built. The state has to understand that you can't let the VIkings leave. If they do they will end up getting the NFL back here again at a much higher price. Ultimately costing the tax payers much more money than building them a new stadium now. Who cares about a roof either? Just build one without a roof and the cost will be 200 M less.

No roof = No Final Fours. Bad idea

[GoAUpher]

I don't know anything about the lease or situation, so feel free to jump down my throat here, but the only way I see the Vikings playing in TCF is if they rebuild on the Metrodome site. If something rematerializes with Anoka county, why wouldn't they play in the Dome while the new stadium is built? Or have the Vikings said that they need to have the new stadium downtown?

I think at this point the only willing partners are those surrounding a downtown project. I agree though that the Vikes would likely play at the Dome until their new stadium is built if it were not on the Dome site.

[Iceland12]

I attended the one game that the Minnesota Vikings played in 1969 at Memorial stadium against Bart Star and the hated Packers. The Vikings killed them with a great front four. It was better than any gopher footbal game that I have attended in the past 40 years. Hopefully the Vikings will play at the bank again soon. It will be the only way we will see winning football any time soon at the U of M.

Favre gets hurt or doesn't come back next year and you won't be calling the Vikings a "winning" football team either.

[GopherRock]

All I know about is that the Vikes and Anoka County had a stadium deal done three years ago, and the Vikes walked away at the last possible minute.

[gopher1956]

Vikes won the disivion last year without the great man Brett. When was the last time the Gophers won a championship? Probabaly before you were born. At least the great gopher Wrestling teams are Champs!

[Jike Spingleton]

Vikes won the disivion last year without the great man Brett. When was the last time the Gophers won a championship? Probabaly before you were born. At least the great gopher Wrestling teams are Champs!

Congratulations, you beat out three other teams. If Iowa wins Saturday, you might as well call them champions too, since they would've beaten the other three teams in the region (ISU, WI, MN).

When was the last time they played in the Super Bowl? Hint: it WAS before I was born.

[gopher1956]

START MAKING RESERVATIONS

[PlayHosea]

Congratulations, you beat out three other teams. If Iowa wins Saturday, you might as well call them champions too, since they would've beaten the other three teams in the region (ISU, WI, MN).

When was the last time they played in the Super Bowl? Hint: it WAS before I was born.Settle down. It's "Mission Miami" this year. Just like 1998 when the 15-1 Vikings won the Super Bo...

[GophBen]

I'm all for the Vikings playing in TCF Bank Stadium for a little while. The fiscal sodomy could give the athletic department a huge war chest if they're smart enough to keep it in the athletic department.

[Khaliq]

Gopher fans bashing the Vikings is pretty much misdirected frustration. I like both and it would be nice if the dick waving between the two could be kept to a minimum. :|

[Iceland12]

Vikes won the disivion last year without the great man Brett. When was the last time the Gophers won a championship? Probabaly before you were born. At least the great gopher Wrestling teams are Champs!

No, the Gophers were actually National Champions in my lifetime, though barely I will admit. Something the Vikings have never done.

The Gophers were eligible for the Rose Bowl in 1967 HOWEVER the Vikings were a game away in 1998 and last made it in 1977. Point Vikings. They do have a shot at it this year and I'd like to see them make it. Winning the NFL playoffs, percentage wise, is roughly the same as making a lower-tier Bowl. The Gophers 6-5 or 6-6 have done that. Didn't the Vikings make the playoffs once at 8-8?

It has been a LOT more entertaining watching the Vikings then the Gophers this year. I'd guess you'd find that safe to say.

Oh and don't forget the Men's hockey team. I'm pretty sure they've had two National Championships this decade also!:clap:

On your other point the Vikings were 10-6 last year 62% winning pace. The Gophers were 7-5 a 58% winning pace. A better percentage and a one win difference.

[Khaliq]

gopher1956 is trolling y'all why the hell are you bothering with him

[dpodoll68]

No, the Gophers were actually National Champions in my lifetime, though barely I will admit. Something the Vikings have never done.

Wrong! The Vikings won an NFL Championship.

Many of us are fans of both teams. To compare the Vikings' success to the Gophers' lack thereof is pointless. You don't need to bring down the Vikings to boost the Gophers up. It just doesn't work that way.

[Iceland12]

gopher1956 is trolling y'all why the hell are you bothering with him

Quite true however, the way Pro teams are extolled for "making the playoffs" and College teams are written-off for "making a minor bowl" drives me nuts. Haven't there been 9-7 teams in the Super Bowl? One may have even won it.

That's why I hate the idea of a Playoff with Conference Guarantees. I don't want to see a 3 or 4 win Conference Champion get a chance to play for the National Title.

[AhliBobwa]

This will never happen in a million years. The Vikings will have no interest in sharing a 50,000 seat stadium. They can't generate enough revenue in the 60,000 seat stadium they have now - how would they do that with diminished capacity?

As much as it pains me to say, the Vikings will be gone if they do not break ground on a new stadium within the next 3 years. And I, for one, will never watch the NFL again.

I would add the caveat that I honestly think the only way the Vikings stay in town is if they win the Super Bowl in the next two years. There is no public money that anyone is going to be willing to put towards the monstrosity that is a pro football stadium. And I for one will not miss the Vikings when they go. Is it a coincidence that the Gophers fell from glory AFTER the Vikings moved to town?

In conclusion, pro football is lame and the Vikings should probably leave!:clap: :clap:

[Khaliq]

I would add the caveat that I honestly think the only way the Vikings stay in town is if they win the Super Bowl in the next two years. There is no public money that anyone is going to be willing to put towards the monstrosity that is a pro football stadium. And I for one will not miss the Vikings when they go. Is it a coincidence that the Gophers fell from glory AFTER the Vikings move to town?

In conclusion, pro football is lame and the Vikings should probably leave!:clap: :clap:Yes it is a coincidence and attitudes like yours help fracture what is already a troubled fanbase. Most of us here are also Vikings fans.

[Iceland12]

Wrong! The Vikings won an NFL Championship.

Many of us are fans of both teams. To compare the Vikings' success to the Gophers' lack thereof is pointless. You don't need to bring down the Vikings to boost the Gophers up. It just doesn't work that way.

No you're wrong, but I like the exclamation mark!:clap: The Vikings did win a NFL Championship (Rose Bowl entry?) but at the time the Super Bowl (National Championship) already existed. Which they LOST. The Gophers went on to lose the Rose Bowl but at the time the National Champion was crowned for the regular season.

The Vikings have had far more success then the Gophers from the 70's on. He was just factually wrong. Like yourself. If you read the post before your constant silly little games of "gotcha" you would notice the credit given.

Just once you should be right before you jump on somebody, or apologize for your idiocy.....both beyond you I'm afraid. :eek:

[Hates Monikers]

Where is my head slamming into wall emoticon when I need it? For the thousandth time...this is NOT going to happen.
- There are not enough suites
- There are over 9000 block M's throughout the stadium
- There is no Viking's locker room...the Vikes aren't going to be housed in a locker room with a giant Block M in it.
- The visitor's locker room isn't up to NFL standards
- They wouldn't get to control the revenue streams like parking, suites, etc
- The U already said a shared stadium runs counter to their mission YEARS AGO. There is no way to force them to change their mind.
- The seats are maroon and gold and spell out Minnesota and a block M.
- etc, etc, etc.

This is a college stadium. Adding more seats and replacing the benches with seatbacks doesn't change that. It is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Jeebus!

I hope you're right. It's amazing how easily $400 million can help overcome obstacles like these, especially if you can justify it by saying you're saving taxpayers $350 million. The Wilfs have already said that not partnering with the U was a lost opportunity.

Anoka County got burned, and they're not coming back to this discussion. Hennepin County is paying for the Twins stadium, and they have said they have no interest in helping. The state ain't paying $750 million. I worked in politics for seven years, including two at the state capitol. It's been a while since I've been there, but I can guarantee you the issue will be raised. And the longer that time goes on without a reasonable answer to where we find $750 million, the more fearful Jeebus and I will get.

[AhliBobwa]

Yes it is a coincidence and attitudes like yours help fracture what is already a troubled fanbase. Most of us here are also Vikings fans. :confused:

The point isn't whether you think the Vikings or Gophers are doing better, have more potential. The issue is that professional football is soulless. The regular season is a joke (ask last year's NFC representative Arizona Cardinals, who took a dominant 9-7 record into the playoffs and made the Super Bowl!@#$#@$) :eek:

In college football Every Single Week has National Title and conference title implications. The campus atmosphere is electric. The kids who play the game are hungry in a way that pampered top tier pro athletes rarely are, and momentum plays a huge role in all games. The styles of football played are complicated and varied, successful teams have drastically different philosophies. Who isn't excited to watch the triple option of Georgia Tech then flip the channel to Mike Leach's crazy mad genius wide open passing attack?

Has there ever been an NFL football game half as interesting as the 2007 Fiesta Bowl game between Boise State and Oklahoma, complete with successful hook and ladder and statue of liberty plays on the final drive?

True football purists love the college game. There is a reason why NFL announcers possess the intelligence of dim-witted monkeys while smart analysts flock to the collegiate ranks. College football is simply superior in every conceivable way, and that is why I could not care less about the Vikings. :clap::clap:

[dpodoll68]

No you're wrong, but I like the exclamation mark!:clap: The Vikings did win a NFL Championship (Rose Bowl entry?) but at the time the Super Bowl (National Championship) already existed. Which they LOST. The Gophers went on to lose the Rose Bowl but at the time the National Champion was crowned for the regular season.

The Vikings have had far more success then the Gophers from the 70's on. He was just factually wrong. Like yourself. If you read the post before your constant silly little games of "gotcha" you would notice the credit given.

Just once you should be right before you jump on somebody, or apologize for your idiocy.....both beyond you I'm afraid. :eek:

Nothing I said even remotely approaches idiocy. Good try though. And actually, I'm right waaaaaaay more often than I'm wrong. Good try again.

We're actually both wrong. You said that the Vikings have never won a national championship. However, that would be impossible for them to have ever done, because the NFL does not award national championships. It's like trying to blame the Gophers because they've never won a Super Bowl.

Please also note where you gave the Vikings credit for anything, outside of your "they're more entertaining to watch than the Gophers this year," which is a backhanded compliment if I ever saw it. My old high school's 9-man football team was more entertaining to watch than the Gophers this year. What you actually said about the Vikings was your own (completely misguided) view that somehow seriously equates making the NFL playoffs with making the micronpc.com Toilet Bowl.

[snackeru]

I agree that the Vikings won't stay long term in TCF Bank Stadium. They've already said it won't work for them. I also agree that the Vikings will play in TCF Bank stadium while their own is being built (fingers crossed). However, I also think the Vikings will play in TCF Bank Stadium even before they have a stadium deal in place.

Think about it, the Vikings have already said they will not renew their lease in the Metrodome. They have been rather vehement about it. I'm thinking they will play in TCF Bank Stadium starting in 2012.

There is no way a stadium deal in the legislature will be worked out by then. The effect this move has is to deny the Metrodome a major tenant. Without a major tenant, the Metrodome cannot survive. Numerous news stories have already been written that without the Vikings (or the Twins or the Gophers) they Metrodome will essentially shut its doors and maybe even need to be torn down.

So, moving to TCF Bank Stadium before a stadium deal is in place will force the issue. The Vikings will say they can't stay in TCF long term, and the Metrodome/MSFC will say the Dome can't survive. The legislature will be forced to make a decision: do we want to have a domed/roofed stadium for year round activities and keep the Vikings? Or do we want to give up the Vikings and essentially any chance at building a new facility to host year round activities?

Quite frankly, it is a good move by the Vikings. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this "break-up" with the MSFC isn't all staged just to set the stage for the first Vikings home game of 2012 to be at TCF Bank Stadium.

[Khaliq]

dim-witted monkeyshmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[dpodoll68]

College football is simply superior in every conceivable way

Yes, superior in every way except for that small little detail in which even the worst NFL team would beat the best college team quite handily.

You like the college game far more than the pro game, and that's fine. But don't try to make blanket asinine comments like "true football purists love the college game" as though it is somehow superior. There is a reason why the NFL is the most popular sport in the US, and why no one else is even remotely close, including college football.

[GoAUpher]

I hope you're right. It's amazing how easily $400 million can help overcome obstacles like these, especially if you can justify it by saying you're saving taxpayers $350 million. The Wilfs have already said that not partnering with the U was a lost opportunity.

Anoka County got burned, and they're not coming back to this discussion. Hennepin County is paying for the Twins stadium, and they have said they have no interest in helping. The state ain't paying $750 million. I worked in politics for seven years, including two at the state capitol. It's been a while since I've been there, but I can guarantee you the issue will be raised. And the longer that time goes on without a reasonable answer to where we find $750 million, the more fearful Jeebus and I will get.

I understand why you fear it. But in order to make it work for the Vikings the stadium basically has to be redone in many respects. Heck, here's another one: The open end. That's a great design feature for a college team but not one that a pro team would appreciate. Character and charm in stadiums is a college thing. NFL stadiums are about packing in the most people possible for the most money. And even if TCF was completely remodeled, it will never fit the bill.

And you'd still have to get the U to agree. I know that the legislature could try to hold them hostage over funding, but that's a PR battle the U should win. "State tells public university that its funding will be cut unless it caves to private developer/owner of a pro team" is a winning hand for the U. Plus I'm betting Dems won't be too keen on holding secondary ed funding over the Vikings. DFL'ers might be willing to pander about beer, but telling the flagship school that they're f-ed unless they cave doesn't seem likely.

The other thing to consider is that while the Wilfs might say that the partnership with the U was a lost opportunity I'm not sure I believe that sentiment when it comes to a Stadium Village site. Ziggy is a developer and a big part of all of his plans up to this point is to own and develop much of the land next to the eventual Vikings stadium. Again, not a possibility with TCF.

[GVBadger]

I don't know anything about the lease or situation, so feel free to jump down my throat here, but the only way I see the Vikings playing in TCF is if they rebuild on the Metrodome site. If something rematerializes with Anoka county, why wouldn't they play in the Dome while the new stadium is built? Or have the Vikings said that they need to have the new stadium downtown?

They will only play at TCF if the rebulid on the Metrodome site, as far as I know. Otherwise, a short term Dome lease until the new place is done.

[gopher1956]

Onlya fool would say the the Gophers are better that the Vikings over the past 40 years. The Gophers are headed in a better direction with the new stadium, but they have a long way to go.

[GoAUpher]

I agree that the Vikings won't stay long term in TCF Bank Stadium. They've already said it won't work for them. I also agree that the Vikings will play in TCF Bank stadium while their own is being built (fingers crossed). However, I also think the Vikings will play in TCF Bank Stadium even before they have a stadium deal in place.

Think about it, the Vikings have already said they will not renew their lease in the Metrodome. They have been rather vehement about it. I'm thinking they will play in TCF Bank Stadium starting in 2012.

There is no way a stadium deal in the legislature will be worked out by then. The effect this move has is to deny the Metrodome a major tenant. Without a major tenant, the Metrodome cannot survive. Numerous news stories have already been written that without the Vikings (or the Twins or the Gophers) they Metrodome will essentially shut its doors and maybe even need to be torn down.

So, moving to TCF Bank Stadium before a stadium deal is in place will force the issue. The Vikings will say they can't stay in TCF long term, and the Metrodome/MSFC will say the Dome can't survive. The legislature will be forced to make a decision: do we want to have a domed/roofed stadium for year round activities and keep the Vikings? Or do we want to give up the Vikings and essentially any chance at building a new facility to host year round activities?

Quite frankly, it is a good move by the Vikings. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this "break-up" with the MSFC isn't all staged just to set the stage for the first Vikings home game of 2012 to be at TCF Bank Stadium.

Interesting thought. I disagree only because the Vikes would take a HUGE financial hit in the meantime in TCF. I can't see an NFL team volunteering to play in a college stadium and take less money unless it was so a brand new stadium could be built on the Dome site. I also doubt that the NFL would allow it. They're very brand conscious and this tactic smacks of desperation. The big card the Vikes have always had is LA and its even more true now that the privately funded LA stadium can skip past any environmental delays and go directly to Go should a team be ready to move.

[GophBen]

There is a reason why the NFL is the most popular sport in the US

Gambling.

[gopher1956]

Are you kidding.

The best way to get rich would be take the gophers oppenent every week.

[bassy123]

Are you kidding.

The best way to get rich would be take the gophers oppenent every week.

gophers are 4-6 ATS. so unless you're betting 10000 dollars a game you would only be up 2 units. but then again, if you had 10000 dollars to bet a game you would already be rich.

[gopher1956]

I am ahead much more than that with my bookie - Johnie "the nose" Schwartz

[WilliamsArenaGuy]

Gopher fans bashing the Vikings is pretty much misdirected frustration. I like both and it would be nice if the dick waving between the two could be kept to a minimum. :|


gopher1956 is trolling y'all why the hell are you bothering with him

That's all that needs to be said. Thank you.

You morons that respond to obvious morons like gopher1956 are just as stupid as he is. Why is it so impossible for people to just ignore idiots like that?:confused:

[Iceland12]

Originally Posted by Iceland12
No, the Gophers were actually National Champions in my lifetime, though barely I will admit. Something the Vikings have never done.


Wrong! The Vikings won an NFL Championship.

Many of us are fans of both teams. To compare the Vikings' success to the Gophers' lack thereof is pointless. You don't need to bring down the Vikings to boost the Gophers up. It just doesn't work that way.

dpodoll68:
"You're actually both wrong. You said that the Vikings have never won a national championship. However, that would be impossible for them to have ever done, because the NFL does not award national championships"

So this isn't an idiotic statement? In your normal "rush to judgment" you proclaim that the idea of the Vikings never winning a "national championship" is Wrong! The Vikings have won an NFL Championship. Then when it was pointed out that the Vikings were short of a National Championship because the Super Bowl was already in place you come back with " that would be impossible". Rather then of course, admitting your mistake in the first place or seeing your mistake just letting it go.

Which, much like saying your wrong, is virtually impossible for you.

I know I've been asked not to respond to trolls, but screw it. Even though your posts overall are WAY on the correct side, you've got to be the most thin-skinned SOB that has ever posted here and you show it every time someone points out a mistake. This is the third time you've been a dick about being wrong at least to me. Put me on your ignore if you'd like, start drinking De-Caf or wait until someone is actually wrong before you jump in and try and get cute.

There. Happy?

[jovs]

I attended the one game that the Minnesota Vikings played in 1969 at Memorial stadium against Bart Star and the hated Packers. The Vikings killed them with a great front four. It was better than any gopher footbal game that I have attended in the past 40 years. Hopefully the Vikings will play at the bank again soon. It will be the only way we will see winning football any time soon at the U of M.

I attended most of the late season vikings games and all playoff games in the early 70's at met stadium. I cannot think of a worse experience. Complete pain and discomfort. I was a kid and crazy at the time. I would never attend a Vikings game that late in the season outside ever again.

Season ticket holders couldn't give away the tickets fast enough late in the season back then.

[gopher1956]

Need to play outside - Like Bud Grant

[dpodoll68]

So this isn't an idiotic statement? In your normal "rush to judgment" you proclaim that the idea of the Vikings never winning a "national championship" is Wrong! The Vikings have won an NFL Championship. Then when it was pointed out that the Vikings were short of a National Championship because the Super Bowl was already in place you come back with " that would be impossible". Rather then of course, admitting your mistake in the first place or seeing your mistake just letting it go.

Which, much like saying your wrong, is virtually impossible for you.

I know I've been asked not to respond to trolls, but screw it. Even though your posts overall are WAY on the correct side, you've got to be the most thin-skinned SOB that has ever posted here and you show it every time someone points out a mistake. This is the third time you've been a dick about being wrong at least to me. Put me on your ignore if you'd like, start drinking De-Caf or wait until someone is actually wrong before you jump in and try and get cute.

There. Happy?

A) I already said I was wrong. Did you see the part where I said we were both wrong? No, I guess you must have missed it. And I did "jump in and try and get cute", because you WERE wrong. The fact that I was also wrong doesn't make you any less wrong. Capisce?

B) So now you're calling me a troll? That's rich. I can show you my U of M diploma, the ticket stubs from the 60 or so Gopher games I've attended, and my TCF Bank Stadium print given to season ticket holders, if you like.

C) I don't use the ignore function. People holding the opposite viewpoint from me don't bother me. It's when they use misconstrued facts and blatant falsehoods to prop up their viewpoint that bothers me.

[Iceland12]

[/SIZE]
A) I already said I was wrong. Did you see the part where I said we were both wrong? No, I guess you must have missed it. And I did "jump in and try and get cute", because you WERE wrong. The fact that I was also wrong doesn't make you any less wrong. Capisce?

B) So now you're calling me a troll? That's rich. I can show you my U of M diploma, the ticket stubs from the 60 or so Gopher games I've attended, and my TCF Bank Stadium print given to season ticket holders, if you like.

C) I don't use the ignore function. People holding the opposite viewpoint from me don't bother me. It's when they use misconstrued facts and blatant falsehoods to prop up their viewpoint that bothers me. :horse:

We both know that the Super Bowl is the National if not(?) World Championship of Pro football. You were wrong but it absolutely kills you to admit it. You tried to weasel out of it by saying "We're both wrong". When you were just plain wrong. "NFL Champion" indeed.:( No you were wrong the first time and you just can't let it go.

Troll? I thought it was sarcastic. You're obviously a big Gopher Supporter but if you'd read your own responses.... :confused:

Here you go: I enjoy watching the Vikings, but not nearly as much as I like college football. The Viking's success can't detract from Gophers success because the Gophers have only had 3 or 4 successful years since 1967! Even so, pretending that just getting into the NFL playoffs is somehow far superior to getting into a Bowl Game is and has been for awhile, laughable.

As for the "thin-skinned" part:banghead:

I left in a grammtical error so you can respond to that rather then just saying that you made a mistake or moving on.

[Swede]

Happy trails.... (http://www.losangelesfootballstadium.com/)

Impressive video.

Seems like LA stadium ideas pop up every few years and fade away. I also think the NFL likes having an empty LA market in some respect. They've got teams in St Louis, San Diego, Oakland, Jacksonville and of course, Minnesota, that are in "need" of new facilities. Take out LA, and what metro area would put the kind of pressure on an existing NFL market (Portland, maybe?) to get the job done?

Is the NFL serious about LA? If so, why not promise an expansion team if a stadium is built? Surely there's some lunatic out there that would pay the expansion fee. LA obviously couldn't support the teams they've had, and those were before the days of lavish entertainment facilities that are an apparent NFL necessity now.

Vikings will not play in TCF unless a stadium is built on the dome site. Frankly, I don't care to use my tax dollars to build a stadium. That said, there are plenty of expenditures our state government makes that I don't agree. I don't like this idea of beauracrats driving up costs by suggesting a roof. If a deal could be done with an open air stadium (as the Wilfs have indicated they'd like) get it done. Who ever sat under the opening of a retractable roof and thought they were outside?

[GoAUpher]

Seems like LA stadium ideas pop up every few years and fade away. I also think the NFL likes having an empty LA market in some respect. They've got teams in St Louis, San Diego, Oakland, Jacksonville and of course, Minnesota, that are in "need" of new facilities. Take out LA, and what metro area would put the kind of pressure on an existing NFL market (Portland, maybe?) to get the job done?

I think the difference is that this "bid" already has full private funding for a stadium. I do agree that the "LA Card" is a big help to teams in other markets who want to improve their stadium situation though.

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

I have very little doubt that the Vikings will ultimately share the stadium with the Gophers permanently. The Vikings are not going to come up with the $750 million in public money they are looking for to build their own stadium. The Legislature will pressure the U of M, threaten their academic funding and give them just enough money for their troubles to be convincing. And that will suck.

:clap:

never going to happen. even the state legislature is not dumb enough to tie the U of M's general funding to whether or not they allow an NFL team to permanently play in the gophers stadium.

the key difference here that some seem to be forgetting: this is not like with the metrodome ,where the facility was owned essentially by the state. the gophers football stadium is owned by the university and therefore the legislature has very little power or leverage overe the day-to-day use of it. it is the u of m who has leverage against the state now, not the other way around.

[idagopher]

As I recall, that game was in a driving rain storm and the final score was 6-3. Swell game. I went back to the dorm and stayed dry.

[Ski U Mah Gopher]

Although I guess it was a reasonable assumption, I had not yet seen it in print that the University is acknowledging that the Vikings will "likely play" at TCF Bank stadium during construction of a new stadium (if it occurs).

http://www.startribune.com/local/70429162.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD 3aPc:_Yyc:aUUs

I particularly liked Richard Pfutzenreuter's (CFO for the University) quote at the end of the article:

"We're not dumb here," he said. "They're going to need to play" at the university. "There's been no discussion of terms and conditions -- and there will be terms and conditions."

Ja think the U might let a little alcohol be served during a Vikings game?

I can think of several "conditions" that the U needs to impose on the Vikings - nothing too drastic just the same deal that the Vikings game them at the Metrodome:
- no suite revenue
- minimal percentage of concession stand revenue (including Vikings jerseys, etc.)
- no parking revenue
- no use of the stadium for practices

Any others??

On alcohol:

I don't think Illinois served alcohol in the main seats while the Bears played there.

[13 Lined Ground Squirrel]

No roof = No Final Fours. Bad idea

No roof = great football.

No Final Fours = no problem.

[RodentRampage]

If the Vikings leave, the state will move heaven and earth to get a new NFL team here. Most of the opponents of paying for a pro stadium would likely change their minds at that point. I'm fine with the Gophers renting the stadium out to the Vikings for a couple years. We really don't have enough leverage to put the screws to the Vikings, it would piss off too many Minnesotans and piss off the legislature.

But we can use the situation to make some good money for the athletic department.

[Khaliq]

If the Vikings leave I think sports will be ruined for me forever. The North Stars moving was the worst part of my childhood by far and I don't want to go through that again. Were it to happen the entirety of sports can screw off as far as I'm concerned. It would poison the entire well.

I can understand not wanting to use public funds on a stadium. I am in fact sympathetic to that viewpoint, however hoping the team moves is just brazenly ugly and petty.

[UpnorthGo4]

If the Vikes leave, Minnesota will NEVER get another NFL team. It is one of my fondest dreams and one that I will be working for from now on. I am starting a GopherHole group to work against a new Vikings stadium. Who is going to join me?

[Khaliq]

If the Vikes leave, Minnesota will NEVER get another NFL team. It is one of my fondest dreams and one that I will be working for from now on. I am starting a GopherHole group to work against a new Vikings stadium. Who is going to join me?What emptiness in your life are you hoping this will fill?

[PlayHosea]

No roof = great football.

No Final Fours = no problem.I don't see the sense in putting a roof on there for something that you might get once a decade.

[GopherVotary]

If the Vikes leave, Minnesota will NEVER get another NFL team. It is one of my fondest dreams and one that I will be working for from now on. I am starting a GopherHole group to work against a new Vikings stadium. Who is going to join me?

Way ahead of you. The purple moving vans are on the way.

[Khaliq]

See I had this silly idea that during what is a pivotal moment in the history of this program, arguably the most important few years in the past three or four decades, fans would want to band together rather than be petty and divisive but what do I know.

If you guys want to believe that the Vikings moving will solve the Gophers' challenges then more power to you. Cling onto that belief I guess.

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

I attended the one game that the Minnesota Vikings played in 1969 at Memorial stadium against Bart Star and the hated Packers. The Vikings killed them with a great front four. It was better than any gopher footbal game that I have attended in the past 40 years. Hopefully the Vikings will play at the bank again soon. It will be the only way we will see winning football any time soon at the U of M.

quite being such a giant d-o-u-c-h-e bag. :rolleyes:

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

I agree that the Vikings won't stay long term in TCF Bank Stadium. They've already said it won't work for them. I also agree that the Vikings will play in TCF Bank stadium while their own is being built (fingers crossed). However, I also think the Vikings will play in TCF Bank Stadium even before they have a stadium deal in place.

Think about it, the Vikings have already said they will not renew their lease in the Metrodome. They have been rather vehement about it. I'm thinking they will play in TCF Bank Stadium starting in 2012.

There is no way a stadium deal in the legislature will be worked out by then. The effect this move has is to deny the Metrodome a major tenant. Without a major tenant, the Metrodome cannot survive. Numerous news stories have already been written that without the Vikings (or the Twins or the Gophers) they Metrodome will essentially shut its doors and maybe even need to be torn down.

So, moving to TCF Bank Stadium before a stadium deal is in place will force the issue. The Vikings will say they can't stay in TCF long term, and the Metrodome/MSFC will say the Dome can't survive. The legislature will be forced to make a decision: do we want to have a domed/roofed stadium for year round activities and keep the Vikings? Or do we want to give up the Vikings and essentially any chance at building a new facility to host year round activities?

Quite frankly, it is a good move by the Vikings. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this "break-up" with the MSFC isn't all staged just to set the stage for the first Vikings home game of 2012 to be at TCF Bank Stadium.

interesting theory. hey, weren't you the guy who did that website a few years back which helped the twins with their PR and public education on the new baseball stadium issue? you should do the same thing, but only this time for the new vikings/multi-purpose stadium push on the metrodump site.

come on! pretty please?! ;)

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

What emptiness in your life are you hoping this will fill?

khaliq - i would just ignore any post good ole' upnorthdufus makes. he seems to be a raging d-o-u-c-h-e in just about every aspect of his life.

[bankonit]

I sure as hell don't want my tax dollars going to a new professional stadium. If the Vikes want a new stadium, pony up a boatload of their own cash. If not, c'ya! Having a pro team here is good for our local economy but the Vikes can renovate MOA Field (haha) and save a ton of cash. They don't want to, oh well. Enjoy LA!

The vikes will never share TCF stadium, The U has said No already. The Vikes will also will not get a stadium approved anytime in the near future. If they don't build their own stadium let them walk, why should we build a stadium for millionaire players to play in for millionaire owners who play in a billion dollar league? The Wilfs can shove it, good riddance if they leave.

[Donovan]

I'm not a huge fan of public funding for pro sporting events. But if we're going to piss away billions of dollars in stimulus spending, we might as well get something tangible like a stadium and actually create some real legitimate jobs.

[bankonit]

If the Vikes leave, Minnesota will NEVER get another NFL team. It is one of my fondest dreams and one that I will be working for from now on. I am starting a GopherHole group to work against a new Vikings stadium. Who is going to join me?

I will. I have hated the vikings since the 15-1 season. Actually, I moved from hate to apathy 3 seasons ago and have not watched a game in 3 years.

[UpnorthGo4]

Ok, I think we are ready to proceed, although it appears that some Holers might not be on board with us right now. Oh well, maybe later.

1) The first order of business is to come up with a name for our group. I am suggesting Citizens Opposed to Stadium Taxes (COST) for three reasons:

a) It will conceal our hatred of the Vikings by cloaking our group in the guise of an anti-taxes organization.

b) Since almost every right wing conservative subscribes to the No New Taxes mantra of the Republican Party, we will have a built-in base of anti-Vikings Stadium supporters. Afterall, anyone who has supported the No New Taxes movement would not want to be branded a hypocrite for supporting a tax for a new Vikings Stadium.

c) It might help us to enlist Jason Lewis of KTLK (FM 100.3) to sign on along with his large group of anti-tax protestors.


2) We are also going to have to file the necessary documents to obtain non-profit status with the State of Minnesota. I don't know how that is done but I will be looking into it.


3) We need to develop a web site, as well. I think I have a good name for one but I am not ready to share it until I get it registered.


4) Finally, we need bumper stickers. Does anyone know how much that costs? I have several designs in mind. One could say - JUST SAY NO TO ZIGGY. Anouther one would say - NO NEW TAXES (for stadiums).


I assume this post will be deleted in short order. While I am sure that the owners of GopherHole will be sympathetic to our ultimate goal of getting the Vikings to move to LA, it will be understandable if they don't want their site to be seen as an overt supporter of our group. However, I expect that there will be many Vikings threads intitiated in GopherHole during the course of next year and we will be able to slip our posts into those threads from time to time.

So long for now. I will be in touch.

[Maximus]

I will. I have hated the vikings since the 15-1 season. Actually, I moved from hate to apathy 3 seasons ago and have not watched a game in 3 years.

So when Minnesota played Green Bay on Monday Night Football, you and the Mrs. caught a flick? Sure.......

[howeda7]

interesting theory. hey, weren't you the guy who did that website a few years back which helped the twins with their PR and public education on the new baseball stadium issue? you should do the same thing, but only this time for the new vikings/multi-purpose stadium push on the metrodump site.

come on! pretty please?! ;)

Yeah, Shane. It's time to re-activate the Greet Machine. I need to know which legislators to harrass first.

[Ron Johnson Super Fan]

On alcohol:

I don't think Illinois served alcohol in the main seats while the Bears played there.

I went to a Vikings game when the Bears played in Champaign and I am nearly 100% certain that they sold beer throughout the whole stadium, although they cut off sales at half time because the heat index was so high that people were dropping like flies.

[snackeru]

Yeah, Shane. It's time to re-activate the Greet Machine. I need to know which legislators to harrass first.

You definitely aren't the first person to ask. As you might imagine, that site took a lot of effort and time. I'm happy with the outcome, but I'm not sure I can go through that again. I mean, I had people writing to Bruininks demanding that he fire me. Not fun.

Truth be told, I'm not really worried about the Vikings. They are way, way, way too popular. Granted, they are asking for a lot more than the Twins, but I'm pretty confident something will get worked out. I don't know why, I just am.

And it is because of their popularity I think I can just kick back and let other, more freaked-out people do the work. Truth be told, if the Greet Machine never existed, would the Twins have gotten their stadium? I think the answer to that is yes. In fact, without a doubt yes.

[RodentRampage]

Just because you hate the Vikings does not mean that your views are shared by Minnesotans in general, or even shared by Gopher fans. Those who hate the Vikings are FAR more vocal than those who do not. The Vikings have certainly shaken off apathy this season.

In the unlikely event that the Vikings do move, there will be another team in the Twin Cities before too long. This is a market the NFL wants - it's the #15 market in the country.

[maxwellsmart]

No Cone of Silence needed for this one. Something weird is going on. We're to believe Minnesotans have the will to build TCF for the Gophs and Target Field for the Twins, but will let the Vikings suffer without a new venue? If we believe the Vikings are the most popular team in the state and Upper Midwest, a claim which has been made for many years and probably accurate, the stadium building should have happened in reverse order.

Talk of a new stadium and the Vikings staying in Minnesota keep ticket holders in their seats and folks buying purple-colored gear. Unfortunately, when the mystical purple smoke has cleared, there will be no new Vikings stadium, nor will there any longer be Vikings. Well, possibly, if they keep the nickname in LA. It's done. Just like the North Stars were finished here the day Norm Green telegraphed his and the NHL's true intent by dropping the "North" from our team's name. That deal was done prior to his purchase and everything that followed was window dressing, just like this valiant but futile pseudo-effort to build a stadium for the Vikings. Can anyone say Cleveland Browns? After all, what's good for the NFL is the important thing.

[govikesgo]

Ok, I think we are ready to proceed, although it appears that some Holers might not be on board with us right now. Oh well, maybe later.

1) The first order of business is to come up with a name for our group. I am suggesting Citizens Opposed to Stadium Taxes (COST) for three reasons:

a) It will conceal our hatred of the Vikings by cloaking our group in the guise of an anti-taxes organization.

b) Since almost every right wing conservative subscribes to the No New Taxes mantra of the Republican Party, we will have a built-in base of anti-Vikings Stadium supporters. Afterall, anyone who has supported the No New Taxes movement would not want to be branded a hypocrite for supporting a tax for a new Vikings Stadium.

c) It might help us to enlist Jason Lewis of KTLK (FM 100.3) to sign on along with his large group of anti-tax protestors.


2) We are also going to have to file the necessary documents to obtain non-profit status with the State of Minnesota. I don't know how that is done but I will be looking into it.


3) We need to develop a web site, as well. I think I have a good name for one but I am not ready to share it until I get it registered.


4) Finally, we need bumper stickers. Does anyone know how much that costs? I have several designs in mind. One could say - JUST SAY NO TO ZIGGY. Anouther one would say - NO NEW TAXES (for stadiums).


I assume this post will be deleted in short order. While I am sure that the owners of GopherHole will be sympathetic to our ultimate goal of getting the Vikings to move to LA, it will be understandable if they don't want their site to be seen as an overt supporter of our group. However, I expect that there will be many Vikings threads intitiated in GopherHole during the course of next year and we will be able to slip our posts into those threads from time to time.

So long for now. I will be in touch.

You are a GIANT loser who is a troll who must be a packer fan. Go Vikes Go.!

[howeda7]

You definitely aren't the first person to ask. As you might imagine, that site took a lot of effort and time. I'm happy with the outcome, but I'm not sure I can go through that again. I mean, I had people writing to Bruininks demanding that he fire me. Not fun.

Truth be told, I'm not really worried about the Vikings. They are way, way, way too popular. Granted, they are asking for a lot more than the Twins, but I'm pretty confident something will get worked out. I don't know why, I just am.

And it is because of their popularity I think I can just kick back and let other, more freaked-out people do the work. Truth be told, if the Greet Machine never existed, would the Twins have gotten their stadium? I think the answer to that is yes. In fact, without a doubt yes.

It's certainly understandable, I'm sure it was more work then I can comprehend. If you can find the energy do to it though, it would be a great help. There are other sites out there, but none with the inside-legislative angle you had, and who are we kidding, that's what it comes down to.

Would the Twins bill have passed without your site? Maybe. But we will never know exactly how many waivering legislators looked at your site, saw they weren't the only ones percieved as being in favor of it, and then had enough courage to press the green button. (Or in the case of my legislator to be a 'back-pocket' vote.)

I share your optimism in a sense. I simply cannot see the NFL ditching the 15th media market that has it's 4th highest TV ratings, while leaving teams to die in Jacksonville and Buffalo. Roger Goodell seems like a smart man. That said, is he really going to step in and stop Ziggy, if he's the first one that volunteers to go to L.A? I'm not convinced. Let the Vikings move to L.A. and MSP becomes the hot new decoy for Jacksonville and Buffalo, etc.

I'm also not convinced that the 2010 Legislative Session has to be DOA for all proposals. If the Vikings can get deep into the play-offs (think Super Bowl) and play thier PR cards right (they're not off to a good start this week) and significantly increase thier contribution, I think certain ideas would become palatable. Namely the Racino, which was, is and always will be the easiest and least painful way to fund a stadium. Fund some 'winter coats for kids' with the extra proceeds and you might have something that can pass.

[howeda7]

You are a GIANT loser who is a troll who must be a packer fan. Go Vikes Go.!

You know my ignore function doesn't work well if you quote this loser in your posts.

[govikesgo]

"Yeah, Shane. It's time to re-activate the Greet Machine. I need to know which legislators to harrass first. "

Packer backers like howde7 should be shipped back to Wisconsin

[govikesgo]

"Congratulations, you beat out three other teams. If Iowa wins Saturday, you might as well call them champions too, since they would've beaten the other three teams in the region (ISU, WI, MN)."

SEND JIKE BACK HOME

[howeda7]

"Yeah, Shane. It's time to re-activate the Greet Machine. I need to know which legislators to harrass first. "

Packer backers like howde7 should be shipped back to Wisconsin

You're making assumptions. The legislature had to be harrassed into approving the Twins stadium and they'll have to be harrassed into approving the Vikings stadium. I am not, nor ever will be a Packer backer. If you even bothered to read my subsequent response to Shane you'd have figured that out. Quit being a jerk to everyone on the assumption we're a bunch of Sconnie Scum.

[Jike Spingleton]

Quit being a jerk to everyone on the assumption we're a bunch of Sconnie Scum.

Don't even bother. He'll be banned by the end of the day, just like he was yesterday, and you have to figure that win or lose, we'll have so much traffic on here tomorrow that his posts (under whatever moniker he comes up with next) will just get lost in the shuffle.

[govikesgo]

Look at these two wimps against the new vikings stadium. Must be trolls from Wisconsin.