In consultation with the City Council and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Eden Prairie is pulling out of the stadium pursuit process. Here’s the text of our official press release:
Eden Prairie Withdraws Stadium Proposals
(March 17, 2004) — The City of Eden Prairie is withdrawing its proposal for the construction of a new Minnesota Vikings or Minnesota Twins stadium in the City’s Golden Triangle. The decision follows the announcement Governor Tim Pawlenty’s stadium financing plan in St. Paul on Monday.
The decision is prompted by the financing formula proposed by the Governor. Eden Prairie proposed a regional funding plan for a stadium, with a requirement that the plan be approved by voters in a local referendum,” said Scott Neal, Eden Prairie City Manager. The City supports the Governor’s proposal and respects his willingness to lead on this issue. We still believe a new stadium is important for our state, but we feel it is best to withdraw from the process at this point, given the degree to which the key components of the Governor’s proposal differ from our stadium proposal.”
In pointing out the advantages of the Golden Triangle site to members of the Governor’s Stadium Screening Committee and the metro area business community, the City sparked renewed interest from private developers who have come forward with significant proposals to redevelop the former Best Buy headquarters site and adjacent properties. The City expects the developers to move forward with their plans for the Golden Triangle site following the City’s announcement of its withdrawal from the stadium process.
We are fortunate to have a thriving local economy,” said Eden Prairie Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens. “The Golden Triangle will continue to be one of the region’s most desirable locations for business, retail and residential development.”
Non-Press Release Comments
We’ve been doing all sorts of media interviews today. You’ll see this story in the news for the next 24 hours, then I think it will begin to drop off.
On a personal note, I am in full support of the Governor’s leadership on this issue, even though his direction differs from the direction we wanted it toprerogativehis prerogaitve to form a stadium bill that he thinks is best. I respect that. I hope a stadium project can be put together in Anoka County, or some other place in Minnesota. I believe it’s important to keep the Vikings in Minnesota, even if they can’t stay or play in Eden Prairie.
Here’s how the Pioneer Press/AP reported on the issue:
