The chatter is getting noisier. They are going to raise our taxes! That RICH guy is going to get richer! Our public schools don’t get any money – but that dumb team does! I don’t care – let the team leave!
However, Minnesota history indicates that if we lose the Vikings, it won’t take long for the chatter to return. But then the voices will be saying: “We need to get a football team back in Minnesota!” Don’t believe me? Can you say Timberwolves and Wild? The money needed to get a new team and build a new stadium will be more expensive for the taxpayers and there will be even more incentives offered to the new RICH guy and his organization. (Yes, I said “guy” but that is fodder for another blog…)
I bet you think – easy for her to say – she loves football. Actually, no, I haven’t been to a Vikings game since 1994. I don’t even watch football on TV. I do enjoy the metro area’s diverse offerings of music, theater, outdoor recreation and our amazing park system. Oh, and by the way, those things are supported by tax dollars too.
Some say only “cultural” institutions should be supported by tax revenue. Have you ever been to a grocery store on Super Bowl day? Whether we like it or not, professional sports are a part of our American culture. Sadly, this also translates into horribly skewed salaries of professional athletes compared to our school teachers. Being against tax revenue used for a new Vikings stadium will not change how we fund public education. If you really want to focus on how to shift American priorities – then don’t watch the games, don’t buy tickets to events, but most of all don’t buy Doritos, Bud Light, Pepsi or Coca-Cola. Don’t host your website through “Go Daddy” and don’t buy any American made cars. Each person who sits down on game day and watches the festivities is consuming the culture of professional sports. Until we glorify our teachers the way we glorify quarterbacks – there will be community sports teams and they will need new stadiums.
What about the rich guy? It is true, if his investment/team does well in their new facility, he will make more money. But if you work hard, make good strategic decisions and contribute fairly to your community – I hope your business grows and prospers too.
I’m not basing this commentary on facts and figures, but they are available and can support either side of the stadium debate. I just firmly believe that a “high tide floats all boats”. The more we have to offer Minnesotans the more our region prospers.
Saying “no” to a stadium now, will not end the conversation. It will just delay the inevitable, while the price tag goes up. The Lakers, Northstars and…Vikings? Oh my.
If it makes financial sense for an NFL franchise owner to have a team in Minnesota, they will, with or without subsidies. And, if it makes financial sense for the public, great. But, justifying a bad investment due to the potential for a worse one later is bad public policy.
Great commentary. 100% correct.
Great blog. Nice to hear an unbiased opinion for a change.
I am a strong stadium supporter but can definitely see both sides of the debate. I especially like your comment about how there are economic arguments that support both sides, which there are. I also agree with your comment about “the rich guy”, how if you work hard, make smart decisions, and contribute to the community, there’s no reason anyone’s business can’t prosper. There is such a “he’s not one of us” mentality towards Zygi Wilf. I’m Minnesota born and bred, and I just don’t get it. He may own them, but the Vikings are ours. Always have been, and (hopefully) always will be.
Again, nice blog. Keep up the good work.