ST. PAUL, Minn. - Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf strolled into the State Capitol Wednesday morning, experiencing what must have been a serious case of deja vu.
The reason is simple: After months of elaborate plans and fantastic, pretty pictures of what could be the next Minnesota Vikings stadium the project has returned back at the same line of scrimmage -- the Metrodome.
The Wilfs and stadium point man Lester Bagley arrived shortly after 9 a.m. for talks with Governor Mark Dayton, Minneapolis Mayor R-T Rybak and State Senator Julie Rosen, among others.
Dayton announced Tuesday that his number one site for a future Vikings stadium is the dome because he says it's the best option for fast action.
"In this (2012) session, the only viable option is the Metrodome site," Governor Dayton said Tuesday afternoon.
From day one the Vikings front line has said this is exactly what they didn't want. The team has consistently favored building a new complex on the site of a former ammunitions plant in Arden Hills.
Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development Lester Bagley said he and his team are frustrated but that he and owners Mark and Zygi Wilf are looking forward to hearing the Governor's rationale behind choosing the Dome.
The Wilfs are scheduled to meet with Governor Dayton, key lawmakers and Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Governor Dayton said the Metrodome site could be one of great promise because it already has transportation infrastructure, light rail and parking.
"I think we can make the Metrodome a very attractive site and put the kind of investment to build a world class stadium," said Governor Dayton.
Dayton said quick action is key because the legislative session started Tuesday and there still isn't a bill authored for a new site for lawmakers to vote on.
Dayton wants that done, but to do it he has to get the Vikings behind the plan.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)