Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Viking owner Zigi Wilf arrived in Minnesota Thursday afternoon after the Minnesota Senate passed the Stadium bill 36-30. The passage means the bill needs only to be signed by supportive Governor Mark Dayton and by needs to be approved by the Minneapolis City Council. The Governor has been a long-time supporter of the Stadium and the Minneapolis City Council has already voted in favor of the stadium 7-6. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he has the votes.

The Minnesota Vikings and the University of Minnesota have reached preliminary agreement on the Vikings' use of TCF Bank Stadium during construction of a new Vikings stadium.

The Vikings Stadium bill passed 36-30 in the State Senate Thursday afternoon and now the bill goes to the Governor and he's expected to sign it. The $975 Million stadium will be built with $477 Million from the Vikings and a combined $498 Million from the state at the city of Minneapolis. The Vikings are expected to continue to play at the Metrdome through the 2014 season and won't move into the new stadium until 2016.

The Vikings Stadium bill only needs to pass a floor vote in the senate and get signed by the Governor for it to become a reality. The Minnesota House voted 71-60 early Thursday morning in favor of a revised stadium bill. The revised bill was constructed in a conference committee and requires the Vikings to pay $50 Million more while the state pays $50 Million less. The Vikings will now pay a total of $477 Million while the state and city of Minneapolis will combine to pay $498 Million. The Vikings agreed to the increase in payment.

The Viking Stadium bill made more progress late Tuesday night when it passed through the Minnesota Senate floor. The senate version is different than the house in many ways. The differences between the house and senate bills need to be resolved in conference committee today or tomorrow before going before the house and senate for final approval. The major difference in the senate bill include user fees in addition to electronic pull tabs to pay for the state's portion and a $25 Million increase in financial commitment from the Vikings and a $25 Million decrease from the state.

The Vikings released kicker Ryan Longwell Monday after 3 seasons with the Vikings and 16 NFL seasons mostly with the Green Bay Packers. Longwell made 22 of 28 field goals for the Vikings in 2011. He was given a 3-year $1.75 Million extension last summer. Longwell said good bye to fans on twitter and head coach Leslie Frazier thanked Longwell for his work and wished him well.

The Vikings are crossing their fingers as the Vikings Stadium bill could be voted on today in the state house. Debating in the Vikings Stadium bill is expected to start today at around 2 or 3 pm. The vote may not happen until early Tuesday morning. The debating of the Vikings Stadium bill may take 10-12 hours. Vikings Vice President for Stadium Development Lester Bagley says the stadium is "within striking distance." Governor Mark Dayton feels as though they have the necessary votes to pass the bill.

Gov. Mark Dayton and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen are among those rallying residents ahead of a Minnesota House vote on a new stadium agreement.

The chances that the Vikings stadium bill passes through the house and then the senate Monday could hinge on whether Governor Mark Dayton decides to veto or sign the republican tax bill. The tax bill passed through both the house and senate and is on the Governor's desk. The speaker of the house, Kurt Zellers indicated Thursday on the Dan Barreiro Show on Fan Radio Network that he and his fellow republicans would be more interested in supporting the Vikings Stadium if the Governor signs their tax bill. He is threatening the Governor without making a direct threat.

Let lawmakers know where you stand on the Vikings Stadium issue. A house and senate floor vote could happen on Monday. Links below.