Veering Off Target

That's what I am about to do. Maybe it's my short attention span, or the fact that I miss having a Wild game on nightly...those back-to-back games are a real treat for fans. Yes, this blog focuses on the Minnesota Wild but from time to time I will veer off target and head in a different direction.

Vikings Stadium Pitch

Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley, in charge of public affairs and stadium development, made one heck of a touchdown yesterday when he addressed the issues concerning a new home for our NFL franchise. The StarTribune ran a story yesterday, Vikings stadium frustration rises to surface, followed by a nice commentary piece today by Jim Souhan, Timing stinks for Bagley's stadium rant. Of course, Sid Hartman tried to smooth Bagley's comments over when he ad-libbed for owner Zygi Wilf. I am quite sure that most Minnesotans have made up their minds on what side of this issue they stand on, but there is no denying that Souhan is absolutely correct in saying that now is not the time.

One thing that has always puzzled me about this issue...what is the team going to gain by getting a new stadium? Or maybe I am confused by how the revenue is going to increase just by simply building a stadium? Because we all know that this is about revenue for the franchise, as it has been stated by the Vikings as the #1 reason why they need a new home. And it has also been repeated time and time again that the Minnesota franchise is always at or near the bottom of the league when it comes to team earned revenue. And as a side note on this...yes, the owners might not be making what they want, but in the end, they do turn a profit which is a good and positive thing in my book. So don't fool yourself into thinking anything other than the fact that this ownership group wants to make more money for themselves. And they believe getting a new stadium will do just that. So again how is this going to fatten their wallets?

After all, they are going to sell roughly the same number of seats that will be filled with the same fans. And the new facility will have roughly the same number of luxury suites that will be purchased by the same corporations. And one can only assume that they will sell the same merchandise, food, and beverages that will be consumed by the same ticket buying public. So the only way I can see repeating the same model and doing the same thing over again, only in a new building, and at the same time getting the revenue pumped up, would be to charge more for all of the same services, features, amenities...whatever and however you want to call their product. It seems to me that it is that simple.

Metrodome (I always want to stick the 'the' in), because of the new buildings currently being built by the Gophers and Twins, will soon house the Vikings as its exclusive tenant. One would think that this would be great news for them as they now could do as they please with the place. But apparently this is not the ticket. My solution would be to give her a new coat of paint, pop the top, and rename the place...then start charging the prices that you would have charged in a new stadium. Believe me, Viking fans would not know the difference. Then the only thing that would be left to do would be to rip up the Mike Lynn contract so that the suite revenue could be 100% captured. Or better yet, get the clown in California to build his 100% privately financed stadium right here instead of out west. As for the mutterings of the team possibly moving after their 2011 lease expires? Call their bluff, as it did not work for the Twins and will not work for the Vikings. Souhan was right on the money...now is not the time.