Stadium Authority Names Rick Evans New CEO

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The beleaguered public agency overseeing the Minnesota
Vikings stadium has named a new CEO.

Rick Evans was approved as CEO and executive director by the Minnesota Sports
Facilities Authority on Friday. His duties will start on Monday.

Evans was a Minnesota assistant attorney general for 10 years and also the
first executive director of the Minnesota Racing Commission. He has more than 20
years of private-sector experience as a business executive and general counsel.

MSFA chairwoman Michele Kelm-Helgen resigned under criticism last month after
ethical questions about the use of luxury suites by agency officials for family
and friends. MSFA executive director Ted Mondale also resigned amid legislative
efforts to reshape governance of the $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium.

Kathleen Blatz had been appointed interim chairwoman by Gov. Mark Dayton.