Vikes to share new Gopher Football Stadium - Permanently?

[no97]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

[Sport]

My mom is from Minnesota so I'm kind of in the same boat as you. The Gophers went out and built this stadium because high school recruits were no longer impressed by playing in a dome and the students wanted a stadium on campus. It's going to be their own thing and I predict it will turn their program into one of the big-timers. The Vikings playing there will diminish the collegiate atmosphere surrounding the stadium. Or maybe it won't, I don't know. I just like the idea of the Gophers and the Vikings being seperated.

However, it would be nice to see the Vikings play in a cold-weather home game again and get out of that miserable Metrodome lighting. A team called the Vikings should be playing in the snow.

[FiddySicks]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

Didn't the Cardinals JUST move outta Sun Devil Stadium?

[Sodboy13]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

Didn't the Cardinals JUST move outta Sun Devil Stadium?

Yes, but he distinctly said "NFL team."

[Sguse1]

The Vikings playing in the TCF Bank stadium will not diminish the college atmosphere that is FOR SURE. The new stadium is in the heart of the UofM campus and I think that they (vikings) can stay in the TCF for a few years while the metrodome is torn down and a new stadium built over it except the in the opposite orientation so that the skyline will be behind the game...if youve been to minneapolis you would know what im talking about. And the new Vikings stadium should be a state of the art retractable roof stadium with all the amenities to host any event and be the showcase of downtown Minneapolis as the city progresses into the 21st century.

[FiddySicks]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

Didn't the Cardinals JUST move outta Sun Devil Stadium?

Yes, but he distinctly said "NFL team."

Yeah, I understand that, thats what I meant. Didn't the Cards "rent" the Stadium from AZ State?

[no97]

The Vikings playing in the TCF Bank stadium will not diminish the college atmosphere that is FOR SURE. The new stadium is in the heart of the UofM campus and I think that they (vikings) can stay in the TCF for a few years while the metrodome is torn down and a new stadium built over it except the in the opposite orientation so that the skyline will be behind the game...if youve been to minneapolis you would know what im talking about. And the new Vikings stadium should be a state of the art retractable roof stadium with all the amenities to host any event and be the showcase of downtown Minneapolis as the city progresses into the 21st century.

Re-read the article I posted. If you didn't read it, the jist is that if the MN Legislature is not willing to build the Vikes their own "new" Metrodome, that, TCF Bank Stadium could be expanded just for the Vikes as a permanent tennant.

The reason I fear for the loss of a collegiate "feel" is the extra 30,000 seats that the Gophers would have a tough time selling. One of the biggest problems now is that their games are poorly attended, and that's in a 60,000 seat building. How do you think the atmosphere would do in one with 20,000 extra seats?

Moose

[BBTV]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

Didn't the Cardinals JUST move outta Sun Devil Stadium?

Yes, but he distinctly said "NFL team."

Yeah, I understand that, thats what I meant. Didn't the Cards "rent" the Stadium from AZ State?

His joke---------------------------

-------------------------your head

[infrared41]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

Didn't the Cardinals JUST move outta Sun Devil Stadium?

Yes, but he distinctly said "NFL team."

Yeah, I understand that, thats what I meant. Didn't the Cards "rent" the Stadium from AZ State?

Look up. That thing you see flying over your head is the joke you just missed.

EDIT: BBTV beat me to it.

[no97]

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Didn't the Cardinals JUST move outta Sun Devil Stadium?

Yes, but he distinctly said "NFL team."

Yeah, I understand that, thats what I meant. Didn't the Cards "rent" the Stadium from AZ State?

His joke---------------------------

-------------------------your head

As much as I'm enjoying this, I can't believe I forgot about the Cards...

Moose

[OnWis97]

According to this Sid Hartman Minneapolis StarTribune column, the Minnesota Vikings could share the currently-under-construction TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

For those that don't know (and/or don't read the article), TCF Bank Stadium is being built with 50,000 seats, but was designed to be expandable to 80,000 very easily (they put the footings in during construction to facilitate the expansion down the line).

Now, we all know that there are several NCAA teams that share NFL facilities as equal, or less than equal partners. Are there any NFL teams left that "rent" a stadium from an NCAA team? If not, when or what was the last to do so?

Personally, if I'm the Gophers, I'd rather not see this happen. They have spent the last 25 years in the shadow of the Vikes in the 'Dome, and even though this would be UMinn hosting the Vikes, they would still have an 80,000 seat building instead of a 50,000 one, where they are going to initially struggle to fill that (see attendance in the 'Dome, where the lower bowl isn't even full).

Don't get me wrong, I don't want the Vikes to move, but I think TCF Bank Stadium is the best thing to happen to Gopher football since I moved to this state, and I'd hate to see it ruined by the NFL and the Vikes.

Thoughts? Moose

I pretty much agree with this. Oddly, as a Wisconsin grad and lifelong MN pro fan, I am a viking fan and not a gopher fan. Nevertheless, they are finally getting back onto campus. And my college football favortism would rather not see them continue to take a backseat to the vikes. Like you, I hope the Vikes stick around, but I'd rather just see them move the the exurbs and put the two teams in different worlds.

As for filling the stadium, I think it'll be easy to fill 50,000. Part of the difficulty in filling the dome is the stadium itself. I work at the U of M campus and get to see the stadium frequently. It looks like it's going t be very nice. The atmosphere is going to improve tenfold. Could they fill 80,000? Probably not. And I tend to agree that 10 or 20 thousand empty seats would be bad for a program with this history. Ironically, they could fill up 80,000 if the vikes move.

I suspect most of the viking fans would be pissed if they had to go to games on campus--whining about parking. Give em a big parking lot in a collar county.

[buzzcut]

Hate to burst any bubbles and notions, but............Vikes turn down any thought of sharing stadium with Gophers. Except for a few years at TCF, I think the Vikes will eventually get their new stadium, somewhere out in Blaine.

[GuandorTokkoo]

Spam Bot post deleted.

Mod Edit: EZ Street

[Burning River]

Now, I see the article bout the Vikings above....

I think the Vikings would prefer to not be on the campus. The NFL needs to be ALL ABOUT itself. I think it should have been discussed from the beginning though to share. Make the capacity 70,000. Like all other College teams do... cover the unused seating with Accomplishment Tarps.

This reminds me of what happened in Cleveland. One of the things that I think initially led to the Browns moving was the Wolstein Center. Called CSU Convocation Center at the time. With the Cavaliers being in the Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland State was building at 13,500 seat basketball arena in 1989 or so. I think the Cavaliers should have got involved at that time to create a 20,000 seat arena. Then this whole "Gateway Complex" could have been a baseball/football combo rather than a baseball/arena combo.

Modell got a litle jealous. City leaders said "Don't Worry..." Then, UH OH!! We'll never know the inner politics, thopugh.

[NEW.ERA]

This is what i've been saying for a long time The Vikes should play outside

[The_Admiral]

I think the Vikes will eventually get their new stadium, somewhere out in Blaine.

Nothing ever happens in Blaine.

[-kj]

Except for the mighty, mighty Thunder.

[BJBerthiaume]

No way do the Vikings even deserve to play in the Gophers new stadium. The Gophers have shown they are improving, and their fan base is growing, while the Vikings are struggling, they are full of overrated players with a coach who seems like he doesn't even know what football is. If I remember right, the Vikings almost didn't even sell out one of their games last year. The Vikings fan base, in my opinion, is shrinking because of the current state of this once proud organization.

[illwauk]

If the Gophers do decided to share TCF with the Vikings, it should be with the understanding that the seating won't be expanded until the Gophers feel it's necessary.

Situations like these are why I don't like the NFL being in the same city as major D-1 football programs. One team always ends up stepping on the toes of the other. SMU was a national powerhouse before the Cowboys came along (although So Meth sped up their own undoing in the 80's), Pitt hasn't been they moved in with the Steelers and Temple got so bad that the Big East kicked them out of the conference. On the flip side, people used to joke that the only fans that showed up for the Cardinals games on Sunday were the drunks that passed out in the stands at the Sun Devils games on Saturday.

I like the idea of the Vikings moving to Blaine. The great thing about football stadiums is that people don't mind driving to the boonies on the weekend.

[McCall]

If the Gophers do decided to share TCF with the Vikings, it should be with the understanding that the seating won't be expanded until the Gophers feel it's necessary.

Situations like these are why I don't like the NFL being in the same city as major D-1 football programs. One team always ends up stepping on the toes of the other. SMU was a national powerhouse before the Cowboys came along (although So Meth sped up their own undoing in the 80's), Pitt hasn't been they moved in with the Steelers and Temple got so bad that the Big East kicked them out of the conference. On the flip side, people used to joke that the only fans that showed up for the Cardinals games on Sunday were the drunks that passed out in the stands at the Sun Devils games on Saturday.

I like the idea of the Vikings moving to Blaine. The great thing about football stadiums is that people don't mind driving to the boonies on the weekend.

So because there are major D-I schools in cities such as Dallas, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the NFL should only go into cities that don't have'em? So, you think we need to relocate the Pittsburgh Steelers to Erie, PA and the Dallas Cowboys to Billings, MT? They don't have major colleges. Well, then LA shouldn't be whining about not having a team, either.