Official Warns Of Hitch On Vikings Stadium

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The public authority overseeing construction of a new Minnesota Vikings stadium is warning that the opening of the stadium could be delayed if the team doesn't quickly resume negotiations on a lease and development agreements.

Minnesota Sports Facilities Association chairwoman Michele Kelm-Helgen said Friday that the team unexpectedly broke off negotiations this week. She says the team said it wanted to wait until a review is completed on ownerships ability to finance its share of the stadium.

Kelm-Helgen says the agreements need to be in place by Sept. 15 to avoid delays. The goal is to break ground on the taxpayer-subsidized stadium on Nov. 7 and complete it ahead of the 2016 football season.

Vikings officials were at the hearing but haven't offered a response to the warning.