Shakopee Resident Named to Vikings Stadium Implementation Committee

, founder of SavetheVikes.org and a resident of Shakopee, was appointed to the Minneapolis Stadium Implementation Committee on Friday.

The committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Planning Commission, Minneapolis City Council and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority regarding planning, land use, and design for the new Vikings stadium. The Committee boasts influential professionals, and chair members including Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak and Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson.

“It’s an honor to be appointed to the committee,” Merrifield said. He said he's excited to get started with the committee on the development and building of the stadium.

He will work with fans and the committee to bring forward the best game day experience possible along with a facility that shows the best Minneapolis has to offer the remaining six days a week. Merrifield will be working closely with the residents and businesses of Downtown East to find a solution that is seamless and works for all of the stadium stakeholders, including the Vikings.

“Mayor Rybak has asked that I work with the committee to solicit ideas from Vikings fans and make sure that they become a part of the process,” said Merrifield, who has worked closely with Vikings fans over the past three years to help secure a new stadium.

He adds, “To be able to have input on the game day experience is a dream come true, I thank Mayor Rybak for this opportunity.”

The Stadium Implementation Committee will have their first meeting in July, and will meet monthly to contribute to the planning and building of the new Vikings stadium.

Follow Shakopee Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter