ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Supporting the Minnesota Vikings is Larry Spooner’s lifelong passion.
If the team’s latest bid to secure public funding for a new stadium fails, it won’t be for his lack of trying.
The 51-year-old has been camping out at the Minnesota Capitol with his purple van, trying to help the Vikings win more support for a Metrodome replacement in downtown Minneapolis.
But this year’s Legislative session is already in overtime, and the possibility of a deal is murky.
A $975 million plan for is being pushed by Gov. Mark Dayton, his fellow Democrats, the team and Minneapolis leaders. Republicans who control the Legislature support a less expensive plan with a different financing mechanism.
Spooner says he’s confident a bill will pass, noting the “immeasurable” financial impact of having an NFL franchise.
