Vikings Fan Occupies Capitol; Says He'll Stay 'Until It's Approved Or They Move'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- While the Vikings stadium bill remains inactive at the Capitol, the fans continued their "purple presence" outside.
Vikings super-fan Larry Spooner got a permit to park his purple Viking van in front of the Capitol steps. He has a tent, chairs and a TV setup; he's prepared for any kind of news on the bill.
"The time is now, the team has no lease," he said. "All the ingredients are here to get it done."
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Spooner said that his Capitol stand could be his final tailgate if the team decides to leave the state.
On Monday afternoon, Gov. Mark Dayton met with Republican leaders behind closed doors. Dayton emerged from the two-hour meeting saying they had not come to an agreement.
"We agreed to keep discussing the areas where we still have our differences, which is the tax bill, bonding bill and ultimately the stadium bill," Dayton said.
No threats were made by Republicans to leave by midnight Monday, Dayton said.
Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem told reporters that lawmakers will stay at the Capitol as long as they need to.
Spooner echoed similar words when asked how long he plans to tailgate outside the capitol.
"Until it's approved or they move," he said.
Spooner's wife, Lynn, confirmed that her husband would stay put until the deal is done.
"He's not bluffing," she said.
