Rep. Kurt Zellers Co-Authors Bill to Shrink State's Share of Vikings Stadium Costs

State Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove) has signed onto a new Vikings stadium bill Wednesday that would decrease the State of Minnesota's financial obligations in the project. It envisions a scaled-down stadium design or bringing in additional private funding to allow the state to back out—partly—from the project.

HF 1753 would make these changes to state law regarding the stadium:

"... appropriation bonds issued and unpaid shall not exceed $400,000,000 (formerly $600,000,000) in principal amount ...

"The state share of stadium costs shall be limited to $148,000,000 (formerly $348,000,000) for construction of a new stadium ...

"The Minnesota Stadium Authority shall modify the design and construction plans to adjust for the reduction of state funding under this act through negotiations with the football team. The adjustments may include additional private funding, or a reduction in the size and scope of the proposed stadium, as agreed to by the authority and team."

Also Wednesday, the Minnesota House of Representatives Taxes Committee was set to take up a bill that would raise stadium funds with a sales tax to pro sports memorabilia and clothing as well as luxury boxes at professional sports facilities.