The NFL chief, who is under mounting pressure due to the ongoing lockout, said after a meeting on Tuesday with Governor Mark Dayton and supporters of the proposed new Vikings stadium that efforts to build the facility are securing the team's future in the state.
“I think the commitment here is to get something done and I think that will ensure the success of the Vikings,” Goodell told the Associated Press after he was asked if whether he could envisage the team leaving Minnesota.
The NFL commissioner met with Dayton, legislators sponsoring the stadium bill and state Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel to talk about the team's partnership with Ramsey County to build a US$1.1 billion stadium in suburban Arden Hills. As part of its deal with Ramsey County, the Vikings pledged to pay $407 million towards stadium construction, about 39% of the total project cost.
Goodell has not elaborated on the NFL’s likely financial contribution towards the stadium build. Related road improvement projects surrounding the stadium are yet to be clarified, although Sen. Julie Rosen and Rep. Morrie Lanning, the chief legislative sponsors, have insisted public funding will not exceed the designated $300 million for the entire development.
“We still have work to do in terms of pinning down what are the transportation needs over and above what's already planned,” Lanning said. “That is the most important issue.”
