Various reports have Minnesota Vikings front office personnel meeting with Los Angeles businessmen to possible move the team to California in two years. Citing “due diligence,” the Vikings have included L.A. in their search for a new stadium venue. The ownership has been approached by two different groups in Los Angeles that are looking for an NFL team to relocate to the city, according to vice president of public affairs Lester Bagley. Bagley revealed this information yesterday during a chat he conducted on the Vikings website that focused on the team’s attempt to get a new stadium approved during the 2011 legislative session.
Baley stated per nfl.com: “We have been approached by two different groups in Los Angeles — the Ed Roski group and more recently by former Timberwolves CEO Tim Leiweke and AEG,” Bagley wrote in response to a question. “In 2009 when the NFL had an owners’ meeting in Southern California, Mr. Wilf and Vikings management toured LA Live to try to get ideas on building a similar sports/entertainment district in Minnesota.
“Clearly, the Vikings stadium issue is being followed nationally and it’s no secret that we’re down to the last year on our lease. We’ve told those groups that we are focused on resolving the issue in Minnesota. We feel solid momentum and feel we’re well-positioned with the new legislature and governor. Instead of spending energy speculating on other markets, let’s keep the focus on building a world-class facility for the community and the State of Minnesota.”
The Vikings need a new stadium badly. The Metrodome is so outdated. The thought of the Vikings leaving Minnesota would be just awful.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune was the first to report the story.
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