The Minnesota Vikings are asking for a staggering $20 million annually to help cover the looming $300 million price tag for maintaining U.S. Bank Stadium over the next 10 years. Despite the stadium being just nine years old, officials say major upkeep is already needed to preserve the facility’s status as one of the NFL’s premier venues.
To meet this rising cost, lawmakers are considering using revenue generated from electronic pulltabs—an increasingly popular form of charitable gambling across the state. These funds, which currently bring in hundreds of millions annually, have been used to support various public initiatives and could now be redirected toward the stadium’s upkeep.
According to the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), maintenance needs include everything from replacing seats and upgrading technology to overhauling mechanical systems and addressing wear and tear caused by year-round events. Critics, however, are questioning why such a new stadium is already facing such steep maintenance costs—and whether taxpayers should be on the hook.
“The reality is, stadiums are like luxury cars,” one state official said. “They require constant investment to keep them in top condition, especially when they’re used as frequently as U.S. Bank Stadium.”
Supporters argue that U.S. Bank Stadium is a key economic driver, hosting not just Vikings games but concerts, conventions, and major sporting events. Without proper funding, they say, the facility could quickly fall behind newer venues in other markets.
A final decision on funding is expected during the upcoming legislative session. In the meantime, the debate continues over whether public dollars—particularly from charitable gaming—should help pay for a billionaire-backed team’s home turf.
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