Good Question: How Much Has MN Spent On Stadiums?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves and the city of Minneapolis want to spend $155 million on renovating Target Center. The Minnesota Vikings want at least $500 million in public financing for a new football stadium. Even the St. Paul Saints want $27 million of public funding for a new baseball stadium.
With all the teams asking for public money, how much has Minnesota spent on stadiums since the Metrodome was built?
• H. H. H. Metrodome
According to Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the legislature authorized $55 million in bonds for the building and $30 million in bonds for the infrastructure. Lester said the commission has used $88.5 million for the dome.
• Target Center
Target Center was built using private money for about $100 million. But the city of Minneapolis paid about $20 million at the time for infrastructure, then they bought the place. According to the city, they estimate their total investment to be around $80 million.
• Xcel Energy Center
According to Minnesota Wild spokesman Bill Robertson, the city of St. Paul financed the Xcel Energy Center at a cost of about $130 million. After it was built, Minnesota Wild owner Bob Naegele chipped in an extra $60 million for upgrades.
• TCF Bank Stadium
According to the University of Minnesota, the state funded $137 million of that stadium for the Gophers football team. The remaining $151 million came from private donors, ticket fees and student fees.
• Target Field
Hennepin County paid $350 million for Target Field, while the Minnesota Twins paid $195 million, according to figures provided by the Twins.
• Totals
Minnesota taxpayers funded $785.5 million for those various stadiums. Owners and other stakeholders spent $506 million. That's a total of $1.3 billion spent on stadiums.
