No Proposal for Vikings Stadium Earns Gov. Dayton's Endorsement

Gov. Dayton declined to give a strong recommendation for any of the Vikings stadium proposals during a press conference this afternoon. He said he favored a site on Linden Avenue in downtown Minneapolis – if related issues could be worked out with neighboring Basilica of St. Mary officials. Click here for Gov. Dayton's stadium analysis.

Funds from racino proceeds to partially pay for a stadium, which was included in the proposal put forth by Shakpee Mayor Tabke last week, would not be a viable funding option, Gov. Dayton said. He said even if a racino bill passed through the legislature this year, court appeals could take years.

Perhaps the best news for Shakopee is that the Gov. didn't rule it out and didn't finalize a recommendation. 

"We could not have asked for a better outcome from the Governor," Tabke posted on his website immediately following the 2 p.m. press conference.

"(The Gov.) stated that none of the plans are at a point where he can advocate for one," Tabke wrote. "We need to continue to push our People’s Stadium – Shakopee plan and find cost-effective methods to vet our data. We also need to look for additional methods that work for Shakopee and the state as a local financial partner."