Bill Summary: SF2599 - NFL Stadium in Minnesota

• Establishes the Minnesota Stadium Authority as an independent public body to oversee construction and operation of a new NFL stadium in Arden Hills with approximately 65,000 seats and a roof, expected to open for the 2016 season.

• Authorizes the state to issue up to $650 million in appropriation bonds for stadium financing, with repayment dependent on legislative appropriations rather than full faith and credit of the state.

• Imposes three percent surcharges on ticket admissions, food/beverage/lodging sales, and liquor sales within the stadium and development areas to generate revenue for bond debt service through 2047.

• Requires the NFL team to contribute at least $425 million in private funding, maintain the stadium and training facilities in Minnesota, and play all home games there under a 30-year lease with specific performance and injunctive relief provisions.

• Authorizes electronic pull-tabs and electronic bingo devices for lawful gambling, establishes regulatory requirements for these devices, and appropriates funding to the Gambling Control Board for oversight; abolishes the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and transfers its assets to the new Stadium Authority.