I joined Minnesota Momentum about 2 years ago (it seems) and have not much to advocate for a new Vikings Stadium since.  Maybe I am just worn out from all the rhetoric? You know we in Minnesota just launched three of the best sports venues in the last decade, and each one was a battle.

After losing the North Stars to Dallas, Minnesota politicians finally hunkered down and re-built downtown St. Paul with the construction of Xcel Energy Center for the NHL Hockey Wild franchise.  St. Paul is now a rocking big city for Wild games, and it seems all the nay sayers are now proud of the results. I think ESPN even named the X as the best venue to watch professional hockey.

The Gophers football program completed their inaugural season at TCF Bank stadium with great reviews, and a poor football product, and the Minnesota Twins just played their first games at Target Field.  I don’t even have to tell you how great a response the Twins are getting from public & pundits for their brand spanking new baseball cathedral. Just type in Target Field on Google and see for yourself, or scroll down and see some pictures on this blog.

So why haven’t the Vikings “got theirs” yet? A few years ago, I had a chance to ask Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty  that question when came to my place of employment. I set the question up when I told him that my favorite “T-Paw” moment was being at the Twins game when he signed the bill for a new stadiun at homeplate in the Metrodome as part of a pre-game ceremony.

“Yes, I liked that too!” was his candid  response. Then I had my chance to ask him directly,

“So, now all we have to do is get the purple their stadium, right?”

“Yes, that would be a good thing, I don’t know how that happened, with the Gophers, they just sort of went out and did their own thing”  he said honestly, “What we should have done was…”

His response was rudely interrupted by one of the “suits” at our company who obviously felt some pleasure in stepping in on my conversation with the Governor.

Now, I feel it is time for the Vikings to really push hard to get their stadium, during this years Legislative session, and apparently the team and state agree. Minnesota momentum just sent me an e-mail this morning:

Tens of thousands of Vikings fans have said they want a stadium solution to keep their team in Minnesota. Are you one of them? If you support a new Vikings stadium, it’s time for you to Join the Momentum at http://www.minnesotamomentum.com.

Minnesota Momentum is the grassroots coalition of fans, business and community leaders – just like you – dedicated to finding a stadium solution with the Minnesota Vikings. We keep fans and supporters informed about the stadium drive, including opportunities for you to help with the effort.

With just 20 games left in the Metrodome, the time has come to resolve the stadium issue once and for all. Here’s why:

• The design and functionality of the Metrodome is based on another era and is now obsolete as an NFL stadium.
• The Vikings stadium project will create 13,000 jobs – including 7,500 jobs for construction and trades workers and 3,400 permanent jobs when the stadium is complete.
• There’s practically a sale on new stadiums right now with construction costs and interest rates at 20-year lows.
• The Metrodome was built for $33 million in public funds – with the state contributing $0. Since 1982, the Metrodome has generated $319 million in tax revenue; $304 million has gone back to the state.
• A new stadium preserves our ability to keep the Vikings in Minnesota for the long-term.

Are you ready to join us yet?

Okay one more thing: Minnesota Momentum is also trying to have a little fun. Supporters who invite others to join the effort (http://www.minnesotamomentum.com/spread-the-word/) and contact their elected officials (http://ga1.org/campaign/electedofficials) to tell them why they want a new stadium are eligible to win authentic Vikings gear, including autographed footballs and jerseys, as well as invitations to exclusive team events.

Achieving a new stadium depends on Vikings fans and supporters. Please Join the Momentum today!