AP: Vikings, University of Minnesota reach stadium agreement

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BleedGopher

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The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings have reached agreement on the Vikings' use of TCF Bank Stadium for two seasons.

The Vikings would play outdoors on the university's Minneapolis campus in 2014 and 2015 while the NFL team's new stadium is built on the site of the Metrodome.

The deal requires approval from the university's Board of Regents. The agreement goes before the regents' Facilities and Operations Committee Thursday, with the full board scheduled to act Friday.

University spokesman Chuck Tombarge and Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley say no details will be released until a briefing Thursday.

A letter of intent last May set a tentative deal for the Vikings to pay the school $3 million a season for up to four seasons, plus revenue sharing.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/206673961.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Go Gophers!!
 

Something tells the original agreement has been modified to the Vikings benefit. I expect to be disgusted by the details that are unveiled tomorrow.
 

How many times are we going to have to hear Kluwe complaining about playing on an unheated field over the next couple years?
 




I think the main thing we will hear is paul allen complaining about the queens playing in a college stadium.
 


Grant said:
I think the main thing we will hear is paul allen complaining about the queens playing in a college stadium.
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That has to be better than hearing him complain about his ex wife.
 

Grant said:
I think the main thing we will hear is paul allen complaining about the queens playing in a college stadium.
Click to expand...

I guess the other option would be a high school stadium for two years.
 



Why can't they put whatever compensation the U is getting, and put it towards practice facilities?
 

Coolew01 said:
Why can't they put whatever compensation the U is getting, and put it towards practice facilities?
Click to expand...

Maybe they should pay down some of the debt on TCF BANK STADIUM before anything else...They are putting stress on the State's credit ratings while they still have that bond issue outstanding. Sometimes it is better to pay off what is owed before more money is spent....That credit rating will be further stressed with all the money Prexy K is asking for...and the new Vikings palace needs all the funding the state and local governments can shell out...

; 0 )
 

imthewalrus said:
Maybe they should pay down some of the debt on TCF BANK STADIUM before anything else...They are putting stress on the State's credit ratings while they still have that bond issue outstanding. Sometimes it is better to pay off what is owed before more money is spent....That credit rating will be further stressed with all the money Prexy K is asking for...and the new Vikings palace needs all the funding the state and local governments can shell out...

; 0 )
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Screw it lets burden the children with the debt. ?
 

GopherOnWheels said:
How many times are we going to have to hear Kluwe complaining about playing on an unheated field over the next couple years?
Click to expand...

The Vikings are paying for heating coils to be installed at TCF Bank Stadium. It was an F'ing joke that they were not installed when the stadium was built in the first place. Want to see recruiting go to even a lower level than it's at now? Play a Gopher game on a frozen field like the Vikings and Bears did on that Monday night, then watch a kid get a concussion from landing on that frozen surface and then deal with the ramifications of that.

Kluwe, and everyone else, was absolutely correct to be complaining about playing at TCF on that day.
 



EG#9 said:
The Vikings are paying for heating coils to be installed at TCF Bank Stadium. It was an F'ing joke that they were not installed when the stadium was built in the first place. Want to see recruiting go to even a lower level than it's at now? Play a Gopher game on a frozen field like the Vikings and Bears did on that Monday night, then watch a kid get a concussion from landing on that frozen surface and then deal with the ramifications of that.

Kluwe, and everyone else, was absolutely correct to be complaining about playing at TCF on that day.
Click to expand...

The stadium was built thinking the last game would be around Thankgiving, not Christmas. Tarps with external heaters kept the field OK for the Iowa game in 2010, the only game played in below 32 degree weather. Coils were not needed for TCF with that in mind
 

With the talent on the Vikings, this will probably never happen, but wouldn't it be funny if the team was the best in the NFC (in either 2014 or 2015) and had to host a couple of playoff games on national TV and there was a great demand for tickets?

It would be great exposure for the U and TCF stadium.
 


TCF = Brett Favre's tomb. last game ever. so mote it be.
 

imthewalrus said:
Maybe they should pay down some of the debt on TCF BANK STADIUM before anything else...They are putting stress on the State's credit ratings while they still have that bond issue outstanding. Sometimes it is better to pay off what is owed before more money is spent....That credit rating will be further stressed with all the money Prexy K is asking for...and the new Vikings palace needs all the funding the state and local governments can shell out...

; 0 )
Click to expand...

And you know this how? Or is this another of your unfounded beliefs? Let's face it wren, you don't know what you are talking about.
 

Killjoy said:
And you know this how or is this another of your unfounded beliefs? Let's face it wren, you don't know what you are talking about.
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Killjoy, you are wrong. Wren knows what he is talking about, it's just that no one else does.
 


EG#9 said:
The Vikings are paying for heating coils to be installed at TCF Bank Stadium. It was an F'ing joke that they were not installed when the stadium was built in the first place. Want to see recruiting go to even a lower level than it's at now? Play a Gopher game on a frozen field like the Vikings and Bears did on that Monday night, then watch a kid get a concussion from landing on that frozen surface and then deal with the ramifications of that.

Kluwe, and everyone else, was absolutely correct to be complaining about playing at TCF on that day.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it wasn't in the plans to have games that late in the year, so the heating coils were not needed at the time. Nice try though.
 

EG#9 said:
The Vikings are paying for heating coils to be installed at TCF Bank Stadium. It was an F'ing joke that they were not installed when the stadium was built in the first place. Want to see recruiting go to even a lower level than it's at now? Play a Gopher game on a frozen field like the Vikings and Bears did on that Monday night, then watch a kid get a concussion from landing on that frozen surface and then deal with the ramifications of that.

Kluwe, and everyone else, was absolutely correct to be complaining about playing at TCF on that day.
Click to expand...

Kluwe didn't actually "play." He was the punter.
Gophers haven't played on a frozen field yet. The season finishes up in late November.
Keep up the good work though. And don't ever let facts get in the way of your silly rants.
 


Here is the U release with the details of the deal:

The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a Facility Use Agreement that allows the Vikings to use TCF Bank Stadium for the 2014 and 2015 NFL seasons. The agreement also allows for two additional seasons if necessary.

The agreement is subject to approval by the University's Board of Regents, which will vote on the proposal during its meeting Friday, May 10.

"We're pleased to enter into an agreement with the Vikings to allow them to play at TCF Bank Stadium," said Vice President for University Services Pam Wheelock. "With Board of Regents approval, we plan to start work right away to ensure the facility is ready for the Vikings in 2014."

"This partnership benefits the University, its neighbors, the Vikings and all Minnesota football fans," said University President Eric Kaler. "The Vikings will remain part of the Twin Cities region during construction of their new stadium, while proceeds will be used to enhance Gopher Athletics and invest in the fabric of our surrounding neighborhoods."

The use agreement stipulates that the Vikings will reimburse the University for any required TCF Bank Stadium capital improvements, as well as all game-day operational expenses. In addition, the Vikings will pay the University a per-game rent of $250,000 for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, with minimal increases if additional seasons were to be required. The team will also share $50,000 per game in concessions, advertising and sponsorship revenue. In total, the Vikings will pay the University $300,000 per game, with a maximum of $3 million for each NFL season.

"This collaborative process between the Vikings and the University has led to an agreement that will benefit all parties," said Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren. "With this agreement solidified, we can now move forward on finalizing a plan that ensures the Vikings provide a great game day experience for our players, coaches and fans while having a positive impact on the University and the surrounding neighborhoods."

"We appreciate the University's commitment to host the Vikings while the new downtown stadium is being constructed," said Vikings Owner and President Mark Wilf. "We look forward to entertaining our fans in TCF Bank Stadium in 2014 and 2015."

The agreement also includes the creation of a Minnesota Vikings Good Neighbor Partnership Fund, which will be established and administered through the existing University Good Neighbor Fund. The Vikings will contribute $125,000 per NFL season, a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, to the Partnership Fund, which will be used to implement tangible and visible projects during the years the Vikings play at TCF Bank Stadium. The projects selected must be beneficial to the nearby neighborhoods and businesses, allow for participation by the Vikings and their partners and be approved by the Vikings.

The Facility Use Agreement stipulates the following:

Lease Duration/Scheduling Restrictions
The Vikings are expected to play at TCF Bank Stadium for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but the agreement allows for use through the 2017 season with proper notification.

A standard NFL season includes 10 football games (two preseason and eight regular season games), plus any home playoff games.
TCF Bank Stadium will be available for Sunday games, as well as for Saturday games when there is not a conflict with a scheduled Gopher football home game. The Vikings may play one weeknight game per season when University classes are not in session and on a date approved by the University.
The Vikings will work with the NFL to minimize conflicts with the University's academic calendar, intercollegiate athletic activities and other campus events.

Compensation
Along with reimbursing the University for all Vikings game day expenses, the team will provide $3 million annually in compensation:

$250,000 rent per game.
$50,000 share of concessions, advertising and sponsorship revenue per game.

Capital Improvements
Certain improvements to TCF Bank Stadium are necessary for winter stadium operation and to meet specific NFL mandates, including:

Installation of new turf and an appropriate heating element for the playing surface to be determined by Vikings and University officials.
Installation of heat trace pipe to ensure cold weather plumbing functionality.
Potential installation of additional temporary seating in the western end zone plaza, subject to approval by the University's building code division (number of seats yet to be determined by Vikings and University officials).
Any necessary modification of existing video platform to meet NFL broadcast requirements.
Installation of additional insulation in various locations around TCF Bank Stadium.
Build-out of storage space within TCF Bank Stadium.

Alcohol Sales
Alcohol sales and consumption will be allowed in TCF Bank Stadium on Vikings game days, subject to Board of Regents policies and restrictions.

Tailgating
Tailgating will be allowed in parking lots designated by the University under the same rules in effect for University football game days.

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/050913aaa.html

Go Gophers!!
 

BleedGopher said:
Here is the U release with the details of the deal:

The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a Facility Use Agreement that allows the Vikings to use TCF Bank Stadium for the 2014 and 2015 NFL seasons. The agreement also allows for two additional seasons if necessary.

The agreement is subject to approval by the University's Board of Regents, which will vote on the proposal during its meeting Friday, May 10.

"We're pleased to enter into an agreement with the Vikings to allow them to play at TCF Bank Stadium," said Vice President for University Services Pam Wheelock. "With Board of Regents approval, we plan to start work right away to ensure the facility is ready for the Vikings in 2014."

"This partnership benefits the University, its neighbors, the Vikings and all Minnesota football fans," said University President Eric Kaler. "The Vikings will remain part of the Twin Cities region during construction of their new stadium, while proceeds will be used to enhance Gopher Athletics and invest in the fabric of our surrounding neighborhoods."

The use agreement stipulates that the Vikings will reimburse the University for any required TCF Bank Stadium capital improvements, as well as all game-day operational expenses. In addition, the Vikings will pay the University a per-game rent of $250,000 for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, with minimal increases if additional seasons were to be required. The team will also share $50,000 per game in concessions, advertising and sponsorship revenue. In total, the Vikings will pay the University $300,000 per game, with a maximum of $3 million for each NFL season.

"This collaborative process between the Vikings and the University has led to an agreement that will benefit all parties," said Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren. "With this agreement solidified, we can now move forward on finalizing a plan that ensures the Vikings provide a great game day experience for our players, coaches and fans while having a positive impact on the University and the surrounding neighborhoods."

"We appreciate the University's commitment to host the Vikings while the new downtown stadium is being constructed," said Vikings Owner and President Mark Wilf. "We look forward to entertaining our fans in TCF Bank Stadium in 2014 and 2015."

The agreement also includes the creation of a Minnesota Vikings Good Neighbor Partnership Fund, which will be established and administered through the existing University Good Neighbor Fund. The Vikings will contribute $125,000 per NFL season, a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, to the Partnership Fund, which will be used to implement tangible and visible projects during the years the Vikings play at TCF Bank Stadium. The projects selected must be beneficial to the nearby neighborhoods and businesses, allow for participation by the Vikings and their partners and be approved by the Vikings.

The Facility Use Agreement stipulates the following:

Lease Duration/Scheduling Restrictions
The Vikings are expected to play at TCF Bank Stadium for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, but the agreement allows for use through the 2017 season with proper notification.

A standard NFL season includes 10 football games (two preseason and eight regular season games), plus any home playoff games.
TCF Bank Stadium will be available for Sunday games, as well as for Saturday games when there is not a conflict with a scheduled Gopher football home game. The Vikings may play one weeknight game per season when University classes are not in session and on a date approved by the University.
The Vikings will work with the NFL to minimize conflicts with the University's academic calendar, intercollegiate athletic activities and other campus events.

Compensation
Along with reimbursing the University for all Vikings game day expenses, the team will provide $3 million annually in compensation:

$250,000 rent per game.
$50,000 share of concessions, advertising and sponsorship revenue per game.

Capital Improvements
Certain improvements to TCF Bank Stadium are necessary for winter stadium operation and to meet specific NFL mandates, including:

Installation of new turf and an appropriate heating element for the playing surface to be determined by Vikings and University officials.
Installation of heat trace pipe to ensure cold weather plumbing functionality.
Potential installation of additional temporary seating in the western end zone plaza, subject to approval by the University's building code division (number of seats yet to be determined by Vikings and University officials).
Any necessary modification of existing video platform to meet NFL broadcast requirements.
Installation of additional insulation in various locations around TCF Bank Stadium.
Build-out of storage space within TCF Bank Stadium.

Alcohol Sales
Alcohol sales and consumption will be allowed in TCF Bank Stadium on Vikings game days, subject to Board of Regents policies and restrictions.

Tailgating
Tailgating will be allowed in parking lots designated by the University under the same rules in effect for University football game days.

http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/050913aaa.html

Go Gophers!!
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Some interesting points to me:

1. Basically the same agreement from before with some more t's crossed and i's dotted. Glad to see both sides didn't try to screw each other.
2. "The Vikings may play one weeknight game per season when University classes are not in session and on a date approved by the University." I'm surprised the Vikes agreed to this. I can see why the U asked for it.
3. "Installation of heat trace pipe to ensure cold weather plumbing functionality." This has baffled me much more than not heating the field. Even when the temp is below freezing in November, you would not usually expect the ground to be frozen much, making it fairly easy to thaw the field. But not planning for concessions and plumbing below 32 is odd, when roughly 50% of the time around Thanksgiving it's below freezing and above ground.
 

Lakeville Goldy said:
Some interesting points to me:

1. Basically the same agreement from before with some more t's crossed and i's dotted. Glad to see both sides didn't try to screw each other.
2. "The Vikings may play one weeknight game per season when University classes are not in session and on a date approved by the University." I'm surprised the Vikes agreed to this. I can see why the U asked for it.
3. "Installation of heat trace pipe to ensure cold weather plumbing functionality." This has baffled me much more than not heating the field. Even when the temp is below freezing in November, you would not usually expect the ground to be frozen much, making it fairly easy to thaw the field. But not planning for concessions and plumbing below 32 is odd, when roughly 50% of the time around Thanksgiving it's below freezing and above ground.
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More likely the U TOLD the Vikes that's the way it will be.
 

Lakeville Goldy said:
Some interesting points to me:
2. "The Vikings may play one weeknight game per season when University classes are not in session and on a date approved by the University." I'm surprised the Vikes agreed to this. I can see why the U asked for it.
Click to expand...
It's not like the U is going to have a lot of Monday night/Thursday night large event conflicts. Would have been great publicity for the U.
 

TCF Bank must be very happy with the value they will now be receiving for their stadium naming rights deal.
 

I was wondering, will this change of venue lead to a revenue loss for the Vikings?
 

AO54 said:
It's not like the U is going to have a lot of Monday night/Thursday night large event conflicts. Would have been great publicity for the U.
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Aside from the hundreds of evening classes, seminars, and smaller events, etc. that go on literally every Monday-Thursday evening at the U, you're right. The U doesn't want its core business disrupted by the Vikings having a Monday or Thursday night game and I think that's understandable.
 

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