Minnesota Vikings Bump Stadium Share Past $500 Million

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Vikings say they'll raise their contribution to a new stadium to more than $500 million to make sure the project has everything they want.

Vice President Lester Bagley says the extra money is the only way to preserve the design and features in the new stadium, which will now cost more than $1 billion.

The original plan had the Vikings paying $477 million, compared to a public share of $498 million.

But project bids have been higher than expected.

A final budget was being locked in Friday before a ceremonial groundbreaking early next month.