Ladies and gentlemen, I have some news; I am shutting down Lemke's Lot.
I have accepted a permanent role at Vikings Gab (http://www.vikingsgab.com/) and feel that Lemke's Lot has run its course. It has been a wonderful year and a half running this site, and I am truely grateful for everyone who has participated in this site. I want to personally thank all of my Vikings interviewees, Jake Schroer, my interview film crew, and most importantly, the viewers. If it weren't for the viewers, there wouldn't have been a Lemke's Lot.
I will still continue to interview Vikings players, and you can check out those interviews at Vikings Gab, or my new blog, Vikings Spotlight (www.vikingsspotlight.blogspot.com) . I will not be posting any news on Vikings spotlight, mainly just my interviews and Vikings quotes. My main focus, however, will be at Vikings Gab.
Thank you all again, and while I am sad to be leaving this website, I am stoked to be a part of Vikings Gab. Be sure to check out my posts there! Take care, everyone. SKOL!!!!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Some good news on the Vikings stadium plan.
There are only 5 days remaining in the Minnesota legislative session, which means we have 5 days to get a stadium bill passed, excluding an exemption (a seperate session that would not be a part of the legislative session). There is not much time left, but there have been pieces of good news over the last few days.
Yesterday NFL commishioner Roger Goodell said he would pledge an "unspecified ammount" of money towards a new Minnesota stadium. Goodell and Minnesota Governer Mark Dayton met yesterday morning and discussed this issue. Although no specific ammount of money from the commish has been confirmed, one would have to think it was nothing to turn away from, since the Commishioner himself came up here to tell the governer himself.
Today we received some more good news regarding the road cost estimates around the proposed Arden Hills site. Vikings VP Lester Bagley told KFAN AM 1130 radio (intern's gotta advertise) that the state will "significantly lower" estimates for road repairs. This helps the stadium bill a lot, because road repairs were the main issue causing Dayton to hesitate. It was originaly thought to be around $300 million to repair the roads in Arden Hills for transportation and areas around the stadium site, but the Vikings from the start have felt otherwise. Apparently now the state feels the same way.
Despite the good news, time is still a factor. Make sure you contact state representatives and let them know you support the Vikings stadium!!!
Yesterday NFL commishioner Roger Goodell said he would pledge an "unspecified ammount" of money towards a new Minnesota stadium. Goodell and Minnesota Governer Mark Dayton met yesterday morning and discussed this issue. Although no specific ammount of money from the commish has been confirmed, one would have to think it was nothing to turn away from, since the Commishioner himself came up here to tell the governer himself.
Today we received some more good news regarding the road cost estimates around the proposed Arden Hills site. Vikings VP Lester Bagley told KFAN AM 1130 radio (intern's gotta advertise) that the state will "significantly lower" estimates for road repairs. This helps the stadium bill a lot, because road repairs were the main issue causing Dayton to hesitate. It was originaly thought to be around $300 million to repair the roads in Arden Hills for transportation and areas around the stadium site, but the Vikings from the start have felt otherwise. Apparently now the state feels the same way.
Despite the good news, time is still a factor. Make sure you contact state representatives and let them know you support the Vikings stadium!!!
Vikings Links
Here are a few links to check out, Vikings fans!
-Are the Vikings seriously interested in Kyle Orton?http://www.vikingsgab.com/2011/05/17/are-the-vikings-really-a-player-for-broncos-qb-orton/
-What is wrong with Minnesota? http://www.minnesotasports.net/2011/05/what-is-wrong-with-minnesota.html
-Some good news regarding road repairs around the Arden Hills stadium site: http://www.dailynorseman.com/2011/5/18/2177740/minnesota-vikings-stadium-state-to-significantly-lower-estimates-for
-Random highlights from a very good Vikings game against the Lions in 2007: http://www.thevikingship.net/
-Are the Vikings seriously interested in Kyle Orton?http://www.vikingsgab.com/2011/05/17/are-the-vikings-really-a-player-for-broncos-qb-orton/
-What is wrong with Minnesota? http://www.minnesotasports.net/2011/05/what-is-wrong-with-minnesota.html
-Some good news regarding road repairs around the Arden Hills stadium site: http://www.dailynorseman.com/2011/5/18/2177740/minnesota-vikings-stadium-state-to-significantly-lower-estimates-for
-Random highlights from a very good Vikings game against the Lions in 2007: http://www.thevikingship.net/
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Why is the Stadium issue even a debate?
I need to let off a little steam here. There are 8 days remaining in the Minnesota legislative session, and after a pre-celebrated stadium deal emerging in Arden Hills, there has been no positive news regarding a stadium since. Governer Mark Dayton is claiming that road construction in Arden Hills around the site will cost $300 million of the state's money, when the Vikings have looked at the same situation and see it being as low as $80 million. Either way, the stadium deal shouldn't be an issue.
We've already had two Minnesota franchises leave and become successful. The Minneapolis Lakers became the LA Lakers, and the Minnesota Northstars became the Dallas Stars. Each of those two franchises has won championships in their new city. Do we want this to happen with the Vikings? I know I for one would rather have them win championships where they belong; in Minnesota.
What many people don't realize is if the Vikings move, there may never be another football franchise in Minnesota. In fact, it would cost about $2 billion to build a new franchise in Minnesota, not to mention we'd still need to build a new stadium either way, right?
There are so many historical moments in Minnesota Vikings history that I wouldn't trade for the world. Minnesota is half the reason why I became a Vikings fan! It's our home team! It's time that state legislators realize this and step up and get a bill passed for a new stadium!
We've already had two Minnesota franchises leave and become successful. The Minneapolis Lakers became the LA Lakers, and the Minnesota Northstars became the Dallas Stars. Each of those two franchises has won championships in their new city. Do we want this to happen with the Vikings? I know I for one would rather have them win championships where they belong; in Minnesota.
What many people don't realize is if the Vikings move, there may never be another football franchise in Minnesota. In fact, it would cost about $2 billion to build a new franchise in Minnesota, not to mention we'd still need to build a new stadium either way, right?
There are so many historical moments in Minnesota Vikings history that I wouldn't trade for the world. Minnesota is half the reason why I became a Vikings fan! It's our home team! It's time that state legislators realize this and step up and get a bill passed for a new stadium!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Interview with Jake "Mario" Schroer
Hey folks, Mario took the time to answer a few questions this week about the Vikings draft, stadium, and more. Here's what he had to say:
Lemke: Are you happy with the Vikings 1st round draft selection of Christian Ponder?
Mario: Well, like any quarterback of the future, we just have to ride this wave for now. He wasn't the biggest name in the draft, but I think that puts less pressure on him. I'm excited to see where Ponder can take us. Now we just need this senseless lockout to end.
Lemke: What grade do you give the entire Vikings 2011 draft class?
Mario: I think I agree with what you said about the Vikings addressing a lot of needs. I remember hearing that one of the big talkers was that the Vikings passed up on Prince Amukumara (try saying that five times fast). But yeah, I agree with your take on it, so I probably give it the same grade you did. (I gave it a B+)
Lemke: When and if free agency starts, who are a few people you'd like the Vikings to go after?
Mario: I keep saying Matt Hasselback, but I doubt that will happen since we have our young quarterbacks to compete for the job. I think Matt still has life left in him. I don't know about other specific names though.
Lemke: The Vikings are trying very hard to get a stadium deal done in Arden Hills. Thoughts?
Mario: It would be like Christmas. Let's get this deal done and keep OUR team in OUR state. Sorry, LA, but you're probably not getting the Vikings.
Lemke: What do you think of Ray Edwards possibly leaving the NFL to start a boxing career?
Mario: At first, I was like, "what"? But then I thought... and it still makes no sense. I haven't seen a strange case like this since Brock Lesnar, who CAME to the Vikings from another occupation (pro wrestling). He's going to be sorry when the Vikes hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Indy.
Lemke: Are you happy with the Vikings 1st round draft selection of Christian Ponder?
Mario: Well, like any quarterback of the future, we just have to ride this wave for now. He wasn't the biggest name in the draft, but I think that puts less pressure on him. I'm excited to see where Ponder can take us. Now we just need this senseless lockout to end.
Lemke: What grade do you give the entire Vikings 2011 draft class?
Mario: I think I agree with what you said about the Vikings addressing a lot of needs. I remember hearing that one of the big talkers was that the Vikings passed up on Prince Amukumara (try saying that five times fast). But yeah, I agree with your take on it, so I probably give it the same grade you did. (I gave it a B+)
Lemke: When and if free agency starts, who are a few people you'd like the Vikings to go after?
Mario: I keep saying Matt Hasselback, but I doubt that will happen since we have our young quarterbacks to compete for the job. I think Matt still has life left in him. I don't know about other specific names though.
Lemke: The Vikings are trying very hard to get a stadium deal done in Arden Hills. Thoughts?
Mario: It would be like Christmas. Let's get this deal done and keep OUR team in OUR state. Sorry, LA, but you're probably not getting the Vikings.
Lemke: What do you think of Ray Edwards possibly leaving the NFL to start a boxing career?
Mario: At first, I was like, "what"? But then I thought... and it still makes no sense. I haven't seen a strange case like this since Brock Lesnar, who CAME to the Vikings from another occupation (pro wrestling). He's going to be sorry when the Vikes hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Indy.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Bill for Vikings stadium site in Arden Hills "imminent"
KSTP political reporter Tom Hauser reports the Vikings stadium site in Arden hills is "imminent". Yes, it is just a bill for a stadium, but this one is looking like it should get passed. The greatest thing? The Vikings approve.
In fact, Hauser also reports the Vikings met with Ramsey County officials all of this morning finalizing details. There will be a press conference this afternoon, although as of now, it is unclear what time it will take place.
This looks like it's the real deal, people. Let's build this thing!
In fact, Hauser also reports the Vikings met with Ramsey County officials all of this morning finalizing details. There will be a press conference this afternoon, although as of now, it is unclear what time it will take place.
This looks like it's the real deal, people. Let's build this thing!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Minneapolis announces proposal for a new Vikings stadium.
The city of Minneapolis has announced it's proposal for a new Vikings stadium. The plan has the Vikings paying up to $400 million (45%), the state paying $300 million, the city paying $195 million, and no property taxes. The plan also allows the state to upgrade Target Center at the same time, so we are really helping two Minnesota stadiums for the price of one. Minneapolis mayor R.T Rybak says the Vikings are not yet fully commited to the plan, but said they had a good meeting with the Vikings and they think it can get done. There are only 14 days left in the legislative session, so now is the time to take action!
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