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Heeding a warning from the governor, the Vikings will remain in Mankato, Minn., for training camp despite being impressed by a more lucrative offer from Sioux Falls, S.D.
After more than two months of considering a training camp move to South Dakota,
the Vikings signed a four-year contract Monday to continue to train at Minnesota
State (Mankato), where they have trained for the past 39 years.
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The Vikings have an option to get out of the contract after this year if Mankato doesn't meet goals. Kelby Krabbenhoft, the committee head of the group trying to bring the Vikings to Sioux Falls, said he was told by Vikings officials they would turn to Sioux Falls if the option were exercised. However, Vikings executive vice president Mike Kelly said Mankato's revenue-based goals are easily achievable and the team is looking at this partnership as a four-year commitment. Tickets
The Vikings overlooked a more favorable bid by Sioux Falls because of Minnesota
Gov. Tim Pawlenty's warning to team owner Red McCombs. Pawlenty told McCombs
in October that the team's chances of securing a new stadium would be dashed
if it went to Sioux Falls. The Vikings are hoping to land a new stadium deal
in the state legislative session, which begins in February.
The political issue was paramount as the Vikings' brass, including McCombs,
debated the bids in November and December. McCombs and Pawlenty had talks about
the situation. This month, McCombs told Pawlenty he rather would take the more
lucrative deal in South Dakota. Pawlenty's stance never changed.
"There's no question political factors were heavily involved in this,"
Kelly said. "The governor has been very good to us and supportive, and
we'll see what happens in our quest to get a stadium. … What we've learned
from this exercise is if there is this much emotion and angst over three weeks
of camp, we hope there is the same over the long-term vitality of the club overall."
Added Pawlenty in a statement: "The Vikings' decision to keep their summer
training camp in Mankato is good news for Minnesota. In my discussions with
Vikings ownership and management, I've made it clear that relocating the camp
would be damaging to our efforts to explore and address Minnesota's stadium
needs. Considering how aggressively other communities and states have been courting
the team, this is an important decision."
Duluth, Minn., also was a finalist to land the training camp.
Krabbenhoft said he was told by the Vikings that Sioux Falls generated the best
bid, but he understood the decision to remain in Mankato because of the political
climate.
"I know Red stated to the governor that he wanted to go to Sioux Falls,"
Krabbenhoft said. "The Vikings impressed it upon us that they really wanted
to be here, and we appreciate it."
The Sioux Falls committee had the support of South Dakota Gov. Michael Rounds,
who came to Winter Park to make a presentation. Krabbenhoft reiterated that
Sioux Falls is interested in talking to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver
Broncos about holding camp in 2005, in addition to keeping its options open
for the Vikings if they are freed from the Mankato contract next year. As a
gesture of goodwill, Kelly said the Vikings will try to increase their exposure
in South Dakota and perhaps even hold a weekend minicamp there.
Kelly lauded Mankato officials for continuing to improve and clarify their complicated
bid. Kelly said the costs of camp, estimated at about $500,000, would be covered
and there would be potential for more revenue.
Kelly said camp, which begins in late July, will be drastically different and
there will be a "state fair"-like atmosphere each day with games and
activities. Improvements to residence halls and the practice fields will be
made. Last summer, the school approved lights for the stadium. The camp is modeled
after Buffalo's training camp, which is regarded as the best in the NFL. Vikings
and Mankato officials toured the Bills' camp last summer.
"We want this to be state-of-the-art," Kelly said. "We want to
give families more reason to come to camp than watching a little practice and
getting an autograph."