Soccer Execs Headed To Capitol, But Stadium Plan Still Mystery

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he's willing to hear out soccer franchise executives but still sees little Capitol appetite for a stadium subsidy.

Officials with the Minnesota United FC franchise recently designated for Major League Soccer expansion intend to make the rounds next week.

Dayton said Friday he hasn't been presented with a formal request for public stadium assistance. But the Democratic governor who championed a new Minnesota Vikings stadium says a direct subsidy for a stand-alone soccer stadium is highly unlikely this year.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and House Speaker Kurt Daudt are planning to meet with team leaders on Tuesday. Both have publicly dismissed the idea of the state partnering in another stadium development.

A Minnesota United spokesman didn't return phone or email messages.