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Stadium issue eyed by NFL

A Vikings executive said the team's stadium situation is "rising on the agenda" of the NFL after the team provided league officials with an update on their quest to get public funding for a multipurpose, retractable-roof venue.

Team and league officials met Monday to discuss the stadium situation at the NFL owners meeting in Dana Point, Calif. The Vikings are expected to give a report to team owners today.

"The Vikings stadium issue is a league concern, and they asked us for an update on the situation," said Lester Bagley, the Vikings vice president of public affairs and stadium development. "We are rising on the agenda of the league and that's significant in itself."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the Vikings stadium situation during a news conference.

"I think everybody wants the Vikings to be in Minnesota -- the leadership in Minnesota and clearly the Vikings and the NFL," he said. "I'm hopeful they're going to be able to sit down and have some productive dialogue about how to do that. We recognize the challenges that they're going through in Minnesota and the priorities that they have, and I think we're sensitive to that.

"But also the Gophers have a new stadium. The Twins have a new stadium. It's obvious the Vikings need a new stadium. We recognize the governor recognizes the importance of that, and I think that there is beginning to be some discussions, which I think is helpful."

The proposed $954 million stadium would create 13,400 jobs and generate $32.2 million in taxes during the first year, according to a study by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission that was presented to the Legislature. Bagley, however, acknowledged legislative hurdles.

"They are facing significant budget issues," he said. "We know they have their hands full."
No prime-time opener

The Vikings won't open the 2009 season with a prime-time game after starting last season on "Monday Night Football" at Green Bay.

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