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Bagley Talks New Stadium And Metrodome Lease

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The deadline for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium came and went.

Lester Bagley, the vice president of Public Affairs and Stadium Development for the team, spoke with Eric Nelson and Steve Thomson on WCCO Radio Saturday night.

WCCO's Steve Thomson And Eric Nelson Interview Lester Bagley

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Bagley said they are trying to get a package together and that in order for the Legislature to consider a new stadium they have to have a package in front of them.

"We're working hard and trying to put that together. And that, of course, has to have a site and a viable local finance plan," Bagley said. "I think that's what the last few days was about. Let's see what local communities have in terms of a site and a finance plan."

Arden Hills remains the Vikings preferred choice for a stadium location. There were a total of nine site proposals submitted to Gov. Mark Dayton earlier this week.

Speaking about Arden Hills, Bagley said: "It allows and provides the best fan experience of any of the sites."

Bagley said the team hopes the stadium decision and hard work they are going through will eventually payoff in the long run. He said that the significant issues that need to be addressed are: finance, local support and what plan will pass the Legislature.

"While we like the site a lot in Arden Hills and have a great partnership and relationship with Ramsey County, there is a lot of work to do and others that need to weigh in on the situation."

Bagley said no short-term Metrodome lease will be signed by the Vikings until a stadium agreement is in place.

"Hopefully this stadium package that we're putting together can include a short-term lease extension. That's what we said and I think we have communicated that to Ted Mondale and our state leaders," Bagley said. "I think that's the way that resolves everything and takes that issue of the lease question out of play."

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