AUSTIN, MINN. -- The Vikings just wrapped up their luncheon at the Hormel Home here before a capacity crowd that I would estimate at 200-plus. It's amazing how much fun everyone has and how many laughs there are to be hadwhen a team is 9-1. Even if the 9-1 team is frustrated in its quest for a new stadium.
One of the interesting things about the luncheon, and you will see more on this later in the Star Tribune, was owner Zygi Wilf talking about the stadium situation. Wilfseemed ascomfortable talking about the subject as Ihave ever seen him.
Here are afew of his responses:
On retrofitting the Metrodome: "It would be very difficult. The building has been there for 30 years and I'm sure if you have been there lately you realize why the Twins and Gophers wanted to get out. People can't really enjoy the game and have to wait in line for food. We've certainly looked into doingthat but ultimately realized that for the long-term viability of the franchise and fan experience we neededto make a move ahead intothe 21st Century and build a stadium that all can enjoy and be proud of. The Metrodome has served a greatpurposefor the entire community for all the events that it held."
On his view of the stadium situation: "We need to get everybody involved in discussing the solutions to this issue. Just to put it off because it's not politically correct or whatever political reasons why people might have is not tackling the issue. I feel everyone should be engaged and try to find different answers. At least get to the table and not put it off because it's not politically popular right now. It's unfortunate that many don't want to get engaged in it because it doesn't serve their political purpose. The Vikings are an important part of the community and as I've stated I'm not just owner butthe guardian of this team. This team belongs to the fans of Minnesota. We need to get everybody who makes the decisions on the Hill [in St. Paul] and the governor's office to be more engaged to discuss things more and try to find solutions. To run away from it is not an acceptable answer to us." At one time Wilf said he wanted an outdoor stadium but asked about that he said: "Our plans are to have a retractable [roof] stadium... most importantly to have a facility that can have indoor activities [and serves] for the full year."