New stadium could put Vikings in mix for Super Bowl

A new covered stadium for the Minnesota Vikings – bet it a dome or a retractable roof facility – will allow the Minnesota Vikings to compete for a Super Bowl more than 20 years since Super Bowl XXVI was held there.

Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports about the numerous opportunities a new stadium adjacent to where the Metrodome currently is would provide, including the NCAA Final Four, which has been held at the Metrodome twice.

The NCAA Tournament has been to the Metrodome a total of 10 times since opening in 1982 but hasn’t hosted the Final Four since 2001. Officials have said the NCAA wants to hold its marquee event in newer buildings meaning the region doesn’t have a shot at it again until a new building opens.

City, state and Vikings officials reached a tentative agreement for a new $975 million stadium last week that could finally end the long search by owner Zygi Wilf to get the team in a new building. Plans are for a stadium adjacent from where the Metrodome currently is. The plan still must be approved at the state capitol and by the Minneapolis City Council.

Originally, the Vikings wanted to go to suburban Arden Hills for a stadium, a place where the team could reap the benefits of parking revenue. But many officials wanted a new stadium downtown where it could be more attractive to big events.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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