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Good Question: How Much Has MN Spent On Stadiums?

By Jason DeRusha, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves and the city of Minneapolis want to spend $155 million on renovating Target Center.  The Minnesota Vikings want at least $500 million in public financing for a new football stadium. Even the St. Paul Saints want $27 million of public funding for a new baseball stadium.

With all the teams asking for public money, how much has Minnesota spent on stadiums since the Metrodome was built?

H. H. H. Metrodome

According to Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the legislature authorized $55 million in bonds for the building and $30 million in bonds for the infrastructure.  Lester said the commission has used $88.5 million for the dome.

Target Center

Target Center was built using private money for about $100 million.  But the city of Minneapolis paid about $20 million at the time for infrastructure, then they bought the place. According to the city, they estimate their total investment to be around $80 million.

Xcel Energy Center

According to Minnesota Wild spokesman Bill Robertson, the city of St. Paul financed the Xcel Energy Center at a cost of about $130 million.  After it was built, Minnesota Wild owner Bob Naegele chipped in an extra $60 million for upgrades.

TCF Bank Stadium

According to the University of Minnesota, the state funded $137 million of that stadium for the Gophers football team.  The remaining $151 million came from private donors, ticket fees and student fees.

Target Field

Hennepin County paid $350 million for Target Field, while the Minnesota Twins paid $195 million, according to figures provided by the Twins.

Totals

Minnesota taxpayers funded $785.5 million for those various stadiums.  Owners and other stakeholders spent $506 million.  That's a total of $1.3 billion spent on stadiums.

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