St. Paul Mayor Pitches Drink Tax To Fund Stadiums

ST. PAUL (AP) - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is proposing a 2-cent per drink sales tax statewide to finance a new Vikings stadium and resolve other stadium issues.

Coleman says a statewide asset like the Vikings "deserves a statewide commitment." He says his proposal would cover the full $550 million public investment for a new Vikings stadium and keep the team in Minneapolis.

Coleman also is proposing moving the Minnesota Timberwolves to St. Paul and having the NBA team share Xcel Energy Center with the NHL's Minnesota Wild. His proposal would fund a $75 million retrofit of Xcel Energy Center while relieving Minneapolis of existing Target Center debt and building a practice facility for both teams.

The Wild say they're willing to discuss the idea with the Timberwolves if the Wolves are interested.