Document Type

Plan B - Open Access

Award Date

2021

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health and Nutritional Sciences

First Advisor

Hung-Ling (Stella) Liu

Keywords

public subsidization, funding, sport stadium, NFL, Minnesota Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium

Abstract

This study aims to address the common considerations concerning publicly subsidized sport stadiums. To provide an in-depth illustration into this process, a case study narrative of the Minnesota Vikings’ journey to receiving a public subsidization totaling $498 million for the construction of the U.S. Bank Stadium is presented. As sport stadiums seemingly incorporate more luxurious amenities each year, it is not uncommon to see the price tag for a professional stadium to surpass a billion dollars. Given this colossal cost, it has become difficult for private investments to finance an entire stadium alone. Therefore, combining the private financing of a professional sport stadium with a public subsidization has become a prominent and debatably essential practice. However, acquiring public financial assistance is not straightforward, but rather a scrutinized and complex process requiring appropriate economic and social justification. Prior to calling U.S. Bank Stadium home in 2016, the Vikings played at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis for over 30 years. Due to the Metrodome lacking many desirable features, the Vikings began seeking the construction of a new stadium that would position the team and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul atop the NFL world. After undergoing a 15-year political dissension with the citizens of Minnesota and their legislature, the Vikings were finally granted their wish in 2012 with a commitment of $498 million in public subsidies to help pay for the $1.1 billion U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings and U.S. Bank Stadium case study depicts an in-depth examination into the foundations, justification, and business of financing a modern professional sport stadium.

Number of Pages

39

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

South Dakota State University

Download

Share

COinS