Vikings Stadium Update: Vikes' Lease At Metrodome Is Now Officially Over

It is a small point to make, but with the Metrodome officially finishing its 30th NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings no are free of their lease at the facility which opened in 1982. While the vikings are likely going to return to the Metrodome for the 2012 season, the fact that they no longer have a lease is a key selling point in trying to solve the ongoing stadium issue:

The team has avoided direct threats to move, and in a one-page ad in the game-day program, the Vikings said, "We're not looking for a new home. Just a new house."

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission operates the Dome and Chairman Ted Mondale also serves as Gov. Mark Dayton's lead stadium negotiator. "The Vikings will play in the Dome in 2012 under every scenario," Mondale said.

Currently, the Vikings prefer the Arden Hills site for a new stadium, but they are still also considering a new site in downtown Minneapolis.