The Minnesota Vikings promoted their economic development plan for The Minnesota Sports, Retail and Entertainment Center to the Blaine City Council Thursday, February 16.

Within the presentation, the Vikings unveiled plans for a 740-acre development that includes retail shops and restaurants, residential housing, space for small businesses, corporate offices, a hotel, a medical facility and 260 acres of preserved wetlands, all of which will surround a new retractable-roof stadium for Vikings football and other sporting events throughout the year. Vikings' Owner and Project Developer Zygi Wilf also described his vision for the project, which includes $1 billion in private investment.

"This project is a tremendous economic opportunity for the city of Blaine, Anoka County, the Twin Cities area and the state of Minnesota," said Wilf. "We're offering to invest $1 billion in private capital toward a development that will bring in millions of visitors each year, add thousands of jobs to the economy and build the area's infrastructure."

Along with Wilf, Crawford Architects' Partner David Murphy presented the team's current masterplan and development concepts.

"The proposed Minnesota Sports, Retail and Entertainment Center represents the latest trends in mixed-use development," said Murphy. "It is an entertainment destination that will serve as a catalyst for development in Anoka County and Blaine for years to come."

To finish the presentation, SRF Consulting Group Principal Michael Monahan detailed the project's traffic and infrastructure issues.

"Appropriate transportation and other infrastructure planning is key to a successful development," Monahan said. "SRF is excited to work with the City of Blaine, Anoka County, Rice Creek Watershed District, MnDOT and other agencies to identify concerns and solutions on this project."