Minnesota Shoots For Big Events For Yet-Built Stadium

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Construction isn't even underway on a new Minnesota Vikings football stadium but a hard push is on by the team and its landlord to lure a Super Bowl, college football championship game and Final Four basketball tournament.

Minnesota lawmakers were told Thursday that officials are bidding to host three of the most visible events in sports soon after the stadium is built. Construction on the $975 million stadium will start this fall and it is expected to open by the summer of 2016.

The Vikings are teaming with public and tourism authorities to submit a formal Super Bowl bid for the 2018, 2019 or 2020 games. A delegation associated with college football's BCS will be in Minneapolis on Sunday as they weigh sites for the 2017 and beyond title games.