SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House passed House File 778, a bill to reform the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), with broad bipartisan support 122-7. The bill makes it clear that MSFA-controlled suites should be used exclusively for marketing purposes and makes major reforms to the MSFA governance structure.
“This bill is a great step forward toward ensuring “the People’s Stadium” is not used as a private clubhouse for political elites,” said Rep. Sarah Anderson, R-Plymouth, chief author on the bill. “We need to make sure that those entrusted with managing the public’s interest in the People’s Stadium aren’t abusing their power. Minnesotans contributed greatly in the building of U.S. Bank Stadium and these reforms are about protecting the public’s interest in its management.”
The report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor found that less than a third of the tickets distributed by the MSFA were for marketing purposes while the rest were for a combination of commissioners, friends, and family members. Recent reports also revealed the Board Chair received seat licenses for friends and family ahead of season ticket holders.
The bill directs revenue of the suites to pay down the debt on the stadium - a change that will benefit all Minnesotans. It also changes the structure of the board by cleaning house and providing greater oversight from the Legislature and a Certified Public Accountant.
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