Sports

Vikings Stadium Bill Passes Minneapolis City Council

Cory Merrifield: "This is really a "pinch me- I'm dreaming" moment."

The Minneapolis City Council voted 7-6 today to approve the $975 Vikings stadium bill. It was the last governmental entity that needed to approved it and Gov. Mark Dayton is expected to sign off on it.

Shortly after the vote, Dayton wrote on Facebook, "I want to thank the seven members of the Minneapolis City Council who voted to approve the People’s Stadium. Their vote is a testament to Mayor RT Rybak and Council President Barb Johnson who have shown the vision and courage to lead Minneapolis in putting together a stadium plan that is best for Minneapolis and Minnesota.”

This appears to be a win-win deal for all parties involved, according to Shakopee resident and SaveTheVikes.org founder .

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“Vikings fans can take a sigh of relief today knowing that the purple and gold will remain in Minnesota for the next 30 years," Merrifield said in a news release.

Merrifield has been heavily involved in the new stadium efforts since founding SavetheVikes.org three years ago.

Find out what's happening in Shakopeewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He also played a role in a , loaning his expertise and , which drew attention and discussion, but ultimately little else. Merrifield said he loved the idea of having the stadium in his back yard but his main goal was to make sure a new stadium deal was inked in Minnesota, regardless of location.

We haven't heard the last of Merrifield – he will next actively seek a role on the new sports authority committee.

"I would love to represent the fans in the planning and construction of the new stadium as a part of the sports authority, “ Merrifield said. “I also plan to keep fans updated on SavetheVikes.org about stadium updates and construction.”

Groundbreaking for the new stadium is expected to take place in February or March of 2013 with the new stadium opening in 2015 or 2016.


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