Twins talk may be just as important to Vikings fans in the coming week as Vikings talk, because one affects the other. Both are looking for new stadiums and the Vikings support the Twins' efforts.

In a time of the NFL year when much is calming down, it may not seem like an important period for the Vikings. But in a round-about way it really is.
The Twins’ stadium bill was expected to be presented to the full house and senate today, but the crafters of the bill continue to rework the language in committees in order to garner even more support. How does this affect the Vikings? In a big way.

The Vikings have pretty much conceded from the start of their stadium drive in early March that they wouldn’t be able to get a vote on a new stadium for them in this legislative session, which is due to end in a week (barring a special session). But even as the Vikings are looking to have their study bill passed, which would create a panel of people to explore all the relevant options for funding about $300 million of a $450 to $500 million stadium, they are actually hoping that Twins’ deal gets done in the next week.

Why? Well, the consensus among the top brass at the Vikings’ recent minicamp was that getting a deal done for the Twins would help in two ways. First it would show the Vikings, the Minnesota public and the politicians that there is support for helping professional sports teams in Minnesota with their financial stadium needs. Secondly, the Vikings are desperately hoping the Twins deal can get done in this session so clear the deck, so to speak, for the Vikings next year.

The Vikings need to get a deal next year or risk losing $51.5 million in financing support through the NFL’s G-3 financing initiative. It is a complex formula the NFL uses based on market size and other factors to determine how much help it would give its teams seeking a new, modern stadium with increased revenue streams. The NFL’s G-3 plan is set to expire in March 2003, leaving no realistic chance of getting a deal done in the 2003 session.

That leaves 2002 as the best shot the Vikings may have to get a new stadium. But if the Twins can a deal passed next week, at least in principle with a contingency on Major League Baseball getting it small-market house in order, then the Vikings would have a better shot in 2002.

FRIDAY NOTES
* Chris Walsh could be back in a Vikings uniform in 2001, but it would likely have to come at a reduced price near the veteran minimum and he may have to wait until after June 1. The Vikings receivers looked very good and deep at minicamp, but most of the Vikings’ 2001 draft picks came with a special teams tag attached to their primary position, so the Vikings know the importance of Walsh’s ability to lead the special teams. Money on both sides will ultimately be the determining factor.
* While VikingUpdate.com will continue to be the short-term home for Viking Update on the Internet, we are continuing talks with another network that could bring additional benefits and a more consistent look to the site before the 2001 season. We’ll keep you posted on any announcements, but for now and for the coming months be sure to pass on the word to your Vikings friends that VikingUpdate.com is the new home. You can do that automatically with our "Recommend Us" link at the bottom of our front page.