It was Saturday April 28th, I went to the State Capitol along with my wife and one of my daughters. We wanted to show the goverment how much we care about the stadium vote by coming.
I had my purple turtle neck, a jersey and my horns and braids on as we came in. The first thing we saw was a beautiful sight, a lot of purple, as fans were waiting in hopes of seeing some success today.
We went up to the third floor and sat in on the House of Representatives in hopes of stadium talk. It was for now, no avail. We left and went down to second floor where we ran into Owatonna's own, Korey Kath, a House of Representative. It was a fantastic question and answer session with him. We did ask the most important question. "Korey, can we get your yes on the vote?" Korey's response was, "You have it." This was exciting and encouraging.
We went back up to the third floor in the House in hopes with all the other Vikings fans. We did not have any luck as the House did not bring up the subject. We did get a pleasant surprise as House Rep from Cottage Grove, John Kriesel, a stadium supporter came up. He thanked all for showing up and gave us updates what he knew about the stadium. He did feel it was close, but to have this many people show can do nothing but help the cause.
We left and were headed out of the capitol when Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak came up to us to thank us for coming and showing support for the stadium.
The day was not successful as far as the government discussing the stadium. The day was succesful as we talked to three stadium backers in Kath, Kriesel and Rybak. I know Rybak has no control but it was still fun to talk to him.
We as Vikings fans did what we could and that was drive up to the capitol to show our support for a stadium. I would do this again in a heart beat and encourage all fans to voice their opinions.
I had my purple turtle neck, a jersey and my horns and braids on as we came in. The first thing we saw was a beautiful sight, a lot of purple, as fans were waiting in hopes of seeing some success today.
We went up to the third floor and sat in on the House of Representatives in hopes of stadium talk. It was for now, no avail. We left and went down to second floor where we ran into Owatonna's own, Korey Kath, a House of Representative. It was a fantastic question and answer session with him. We did ask the most important question. "Korey, can we get your yes on the vote?" Korey's response was, "You have it." This was exciting and encouraging.
We went back up to the third floor in the House in hopes with all the other Vikings fans. We did not have any luck as the House did not bring up the subject. We did get a pleasant surprise as House Rep from Cottage Grove, John Kriesel, a stadium supporter came up. He thanked all for showing up and gave us updates what he knew about the stadium. He did feel it was close, but to have this many people show can do nothing but help the cause.
We left and were headed out of the capitol when Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak came up to us to thank us for coming and showing support for the stadium.
The day was not successful as far as the government discussing the stadium. The day was succesful as we talked to three stadium backers in Kath, Kriesel and Rybak. I know Rybak has no control but it was still fun to talk to him.
We as Vikings fans did what we could and that was drive up to the capitol to show our support for a stadium. I would do this again in a heart beat and encourage all fans to voice their opinions.
On Tuesday night, November 13 I went to Rochester and attended a one hour talk about the new stadium. The event was at Doubletree by Hilton and went from 5:30-6:30.
It was held in a large conference room that had around 50 people including media there from several different TV stations. Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards and Rochester DFL rep Kim Norton from District 29B, were some of the dignitaries in attendance along with a few season ticket holders sprinkled in.
The guest panel included John Hutchings, a principal with the HKS architectural firm; Michelle Kelm-Helgen with the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority; and Lester Bagley, Vice President of the Minnesota Vikings.
Hutchings has been with the firm 26 years. The firm has 7 locations internationally and 20 throughout the US. The headquarters are in Dallas, Texas.
The last 2 stadiums designed by this firm have both hosted Super Bowls and those are Cowboys Stadium and the Colt’s Lucas Oil Field. They have been involved with baseball stadiums as well. Those are Miller Park, US Cellular, Dodgers Stadium, and Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
This session Tuesday was the 2nd stop on the talking about the stadium. A little over 2 weeks ago the first session was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tuesday was in Rochester and then in a couple of weeks they will be in Duluth.
It is a chance for this group to inform people and also a chance for people to ask questions. There was also as card handed out you could write things down such as ideas of what you would want in the new stadium and then hand it in on your way out.
It was held in a large conference room that had around 50 people including media there from several different TV stations. Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards and Rochester DFL rep Kim Norton from District 29B, were some of the dignitaries in attendance along with a few season ticket holders sprinkled in.
The guest panel included John Hutchings, a principal with the HKS architectural firm; Michelle Kelm-Helgen with the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority; and Lester Bagley, Vice President of the Minnesota Vikings.
Hutchings has been with the firm 26 years. The firm has 7 locations internationally and 20 throughout the US. The headquarters are in Dallas, Texas.
The last 2 stadiums designed by this firm have both hosted Super Bowls and those are Cowboys Stadium and the Colt’s Lucas Oil Field. They have been involved with baseball stadiums as well. Those are Miller Park, US Cellular, Dodgers Stadium, and Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
This session Tuesday was the 2nd stop on the talking about the stadium. A little over 2 weeks ago the first session was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Tuesday was in Rochester and then in a couple of weeks they will be in Duluth.
It is a chance for this group to inform people and also a chance for people to ask questions. There was also as card handed out you could write things down such as ideas of what you would want in the new stadium and then hand it in on your way out.
Fri May 10th, 2013 was one year when Legislation and the Vikings agreed on a price and now the ball can get rolling.
Friday also was a big day as The University of Minnesota and the Vikings came to agreement on several issues that will allow the Vikes to call TCF Bank Stadium their home for 2 years and possibly 2 more after that starting in 2014.
Friday also was a big day as The University of Minnesota and the Vikings came to agreement on several issues that will allow the Vikes to call TCF Bank Stadium their home for 2 years and possibly 2 more after that starting in 2014.
My next step is to hopefully be one of the first 200 people at the dome on Monday to receive a ticket for the unveiling of the stadium plans.
I am willing to wait for hours as I am a fan who wants to follow this all the way. I will go to ground breaking as well if fans are allowed. I can not wait for 2016 and the opening of the new stadium.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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