Senate: No State Money to Build New MLS Stadium

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Senate lawmakers are leaving no room for debate: There should be no state money for a new professional soccer stadium.

Minnesota's Senate overwhelmingly voted Monday to ban any state funds from being used to build a Major League Soccer Stadium. It's a firm stance as the team's ownership group works to rally support at the Capitol. The ban passed 61 to 4.

The amendment to a state budget bill also bans the state from taking on debt to help build the stadium. It wouldn't nix Minnesota United's request for a sales tax exemption on construction materials or any deals with county or city officials.

Andover Republican Sen. Brandon Petersen led the charge on the ban. Petersen says too many subsidy deals for professional sports teams have been hammered out privately.