Watch CBS News

Remember The Turmoil Over Target Field?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – As lawmakers work on the Vikings stadium bill, the back and forth over the past few weeks may sound somewhat familiar. It was just six years ago when lawmakers faced the decision to build a new ballpark for the Twins.

Head to any Twins game and you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who isn't a fan of Target Field.

"I think it's great. I really, really, do like it," said June Long, a Twins fan.

It wasn't too long ago when the idea of building a new ballpark was unpopular. The stadium debate in 2006 had all the ups and downs of today's Vikings stadium discussion.

Just when the deal seemed dead, there was another step forward. The final vote didn't happen until the final hour of the session. And that's what Vikings bill author, Sen. Julie Rosen (R- Fairmont), expects to see this time around.

"When it's time to push that green or red button, they'll push green," she said. "Similar to the Twins stadium, the board will be open for 20 minutes. I'm sure."

Right now, there's no vote scheduled for either the House or the Senate, but the Democrats and Gov. Mark Dayton want a Vikings vote now. Republicans want to discuss business tax cuts and construction projects.

Even away from the Capitol, the debate continues among Minnesota sports fans.

"We have to have change and do something to keep our team," said Vikings fan Paula Muench. "We don't want to lose our team."

Paul Kuplic, however, thinks differently.

"It's a Vikings stadium -- that's all it is," he said. "You're supporting a billionaire and I think that's all wrong."

Lawmakers had hoped to finish the session by Monday, but the debate could go on for several more days. The session must end on May 21.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.