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Xdre.,'1 Cep j <br /> Frequently s e Questions <br /> • about the Anoka County/Blaine Vikings stadium proposal <br /> Why is Anoka County/Blaine proposing a Vikings stadium? <br /> This is not just a stadium proposal.The stadium is one component in a much broader proposal that <br /> would leverage the stadium for a multi-faceted development to create quality jobs, enhance economic <br /> growth, and build a diversified tax base needed in the northern suburbs. <br /> This is the biggest development opportunity Anoka County has ever seen. The project is anticipated <br /> to produce 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs,and increase the market value on the <br /> development site by as much as four fold. <br /> In 2001,Anoka County launched an economic development initiative to help attract"signature" <br /> developments that are positive focal points in the community--comparable to the National Sports <br /> Center,Medtronic World Headquarters,and Tournament Players Club of the Twin Cities. The Vikings <br /> stadium opportunity presented itself in 2002 and became part of the county's overall economic <br /> development effort. <br /> What's included in the Anoka County/Blaine proposal? <br /> The Preserve at Rice Creek <br /> The 740-acre master plan development called"The Preserve at Rice Creek"would include retail, <br /> corporate offices,housing,a regional medical center and 240 acres of preserved wetland,with the anchor <br /> being the stadium complex. <br /> The consultant on the project,Hammes Sports Co. out of Madison,Wisconsin,has experience <br /> creating similar stadium developments at Lambeau Field in Green Bay and Ford Field in Detroit,among <br /> 4110 others. Many developers are expressing interest in participating in the various elements of this master <br /> plan development. <br /> The stadium complex <br /> The stadium structure itself would include the Vikings corporate headquarters and training facilities, <br /> a Vikings hall of fame,Vikings-themed retail dining and entertainment,a business-class hotel and <br /> conference center, and a regional medical facility.The idea is to maximize use of the stadium structure <br /> and create a year-round regional entertainment destination. <br /> Along with the nearby National Sports Center and Tournament Players Club of the Twin Cities,a <br /> Vikings stadium development would brand Anoka County as the upper Midwest region's hub for <br /> professional and amateur sports tourism. <br /> Why can't we just keep using the'Metrodome? <br /> The Metrodome,built in 1982,was the last combined football and baseball stadium built in the <br /> country. New generation stadiums have far exceeded the quality and revenue-generating opportunities of <br /> the Metrodome. <br /> While the Vikings are,by far,Minnesota's most-watched sports team on TV,are sold out every <br /> game,and have a long waiting list for season tickets, the Vikings rank near the bottom of the list in team <br /> revenue generated—30th out of 32 NFL teams nationwide.This is a direct result of the minimal <br /> revenue-producing opportunities the Metrodome offers.The Metrodome's narrow concourses only <br /> allow for basic concessions and merchandise sales,and there is no club seating,limited suites,and few <br /> sponsorship opportunities. <br /> • Page 1 <br /> Continuously updated version of this document available online at ; <br /> r!myi Mp <br /> SOLA p <br /> www.AnokaCounty.us/stadiumlk <br /> I� 4 W"'"' c UN74 <br /> Wednesday,April 14,2004 <br />