National Football League

Vikings stadium drive takes step back

Published May. 1, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The drive to reach a Minnesota Vikings stadium deal has taken a step backward at the state Capitol.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has sharply rebuked GOP lawmakers for not taking the stadium debate seriously amid word Republicans are working out a deal to authorize a roofless stadium.

The altered proposal surfaced Tuesday and drew a rushed press conference from Dayton, Democratic lawmakers and the mayor of Minneapolis. Each acknowledged a stadium without a roof would be cheaper but said it would defeat the intent of building a venue that could be used for more than just football.

Legislators have yet to vote on a much-scrutinized stadium plan that depends on a gambling expansion. Republicans who run the Legislature haven't committed to a vote on the $975 million proposal Dayton favors.