Finally

Two of the greatest scores in Minnesota Vikings history are 71-60 and 36-30. The first is the House vote on the final Minnesota stadium bill. The second is the vote in the Senate. Finally, after more than ten years of usually frustrating work, ground will be broken in the spring or summer of 2013 on the building of a new stadium in Minneapolis. The Vikings will have a much needed new home. The state of Minnesota will have a venue that can host events like Super Bowls, Final Fours, National Conventions, concerts, etc. in quality, with class. The Metrodome has long been a joke.

The governor still has to sign the bill into law. Governor Mark Dayton has long been one of the biggest stadium supporters and intends to sign the bill. It's finally happening. It couldn't have happened without the efforts of bill authors Senator Julie Rosen and Representative Morrie Lanning. Rosen, in particular, has been a rock. Ever. From my perch, it often looked like she carried this bill through all it's stops and criticism. She will never have to buy another beer in Minnesota. Ever. Again. Representative John Kriesel emerged as a star. Not just through this legislation but in general. Too many politicians are in politics for all the wrong reasons. Kriesel is in it for all the right reasons. He's in it for only one term to make a difference. He has no interest in a political career only in doing what he can to make the state of Minnesota better. He can see the big picture not just the interests of a few. His speech to close House debates is must listening for all Vikings fans. There are so many that worked together to make the stadium a reality. It was tremendous to see all the Minnesota Vikings fans come together. Grassroot organizations Minnesota Momentum and Save the Vikings have been a constant source of information and motivation for years. Seeing the passion of Vikings fans all over the world was amazing. They rallied. They flooded the legislators with phone calls and emails. The capital building was flooded with fans over the past deciding days. The difference made by the fans was mentioned often by the Vikings and the legislators. Vikings fans from all over the world made a difference. Some Arizona fans sent pizzas to their fellow fans camped at the capital. Beautiful.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication to Minnesota of the Wilf family. Through all the frustrations and inaction, false starts and broken promises, they never once threatened to move the team. Other owners have relocated with less provocation. Bolted under the cover of darkness. The Wilf's stayed with it. The Vikings fans and the state of Minnesota are fortunate to have the Wilf family owning the team. The team would likely be elsewhere if not for the Wilf's patience and dedication. Everyone has feared the intentions of the owners from New Jersey since they bought the team in 2005. The only real threat to the Vikings legacy in Minnesota was the Minneosta legislature. Thankfully most of them came through.

Finally.