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.
“The numerous revelations on the misuse of the MSFA suites over the past year have highlighted the need for reforming the MSFA board,” said Rep. Regina Barr, R-Inver Grove Heights, a coauthor on the bill. “This bill will help to restore the public's trust in the operation of U.S. Bank Stadium and ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated by increasing transparency and accountability for the board members."
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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