Vikings Stadium Gets Approval…Again

Aug 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings mascot Ragnar rides onto the field before the game with the Tennessee Titans at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings fans always seem to be riding a roller coaster of emotions.  They have had their hopes high for over 50 years now, only to have them crushed at the most inopportune times.  The new stadium for Minnesota is another issue that seems to be going that way.

The fight to get a new stadium in Minnesota has been a tough one.  There are been multiple votes, recounts, forums, protests, and rallies about it.  In the end, the new stadium bill passed and things seemed like they were going to sail pretty smoothly going foward.  Vikings fans should have known better.

Dec 18, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings owners Zygi Wilf (left) and Mark Wilf (right) walk onto the field to meet with the owners of the New Orleans Saints prior to the game at the Metrodome. The Saints win 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

An investigation was opened by the State of Minnesota into the finances of the Wilf family, who are the owners of the Vikings.  The reason for this investigation is a New Jersey court case where the Wilf family was found guilty of racketeering and fraud.

After a thorough investigation, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Authority officially concluded that Zygi and Mark Wilf have “significant holdings”.  This means that the MSFA feels that the Wilf family will be able to uphold their financial obligations to the stadium and are not very concerned about the results of the New Jersey court case.

For now, it seems like the stadium build is back on track.  But as Vikings fans know, we should never get too comfortable or confident in anything.