Vikings stadium plan gets Minnesota House approval

Minneapolis, MN – The new stadium plan for the Minnesota Vikings has received approval from the state's House of Representatives.

After passing by a margin of 73-58, the proposal will next move to the state Senate.

"It's the first hurdle, a couple more to go, but we're really excited," said Vikings vice president Lester Bagley.

The new downtown stadium has a projected cost of $975 million and would sit on the current site of the Metrodome, where the Vikings have played since 1982.

According to the plan unveiled in March, the Vikings would contribute $427 million toward the up-front costs, while the city of Minneapolis would commit $150 million and the state of Minnesota would fund $398 million. The city's part would come from redirecting a portion of existing convention center taxes, while the state would expand charitable gaming to pay its portion.

Part of Monday's debate in the House included increasing the team's share of the cost. Exact details of the financing would still need to be ironed out.

The Vikings are set to play in the Metrodome next year, even if construction on a new building starts, and would likely play just one season in TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota.