A Minnesota Vikings official told the team's website Tuesday that two groups from Los Angeles have approached the team about relocating there.
The *Minneapolis Star Tribune* reported the revelation by Lester Bagley, the Vikings' vice president of public affairs, as he discussed the team's attempt to gain approval for a new stadium during next year's legislative session.
"We have been approached by two different groups in Los Angeles -- the Ed Roski group and more recently by former Timberwolves CEO Tim Leiweke and AEG," Bagley wrote in response to a question. "In 2009 when the NFL had an owners' meeting in Southern California, Mr. Wilf and Vikings management toured LA Live to try to get ideas on building a similar sports/entertainment district in Minnesota.
"Clearly, the Vikings stadium issue is being followed nationally and it's no secret that we're down to the last year on our lease. We've told those groups that we are focused on resolving the issue in Minnesota. We feel solid momentum and feel we're well-positioned with the new legislature and governor. Instead of spending energy speculating on other markets, let's keep the focus on building a world-class facility for the community and the State of Minnesota."
Philip Anschutz and his Anschutz Entertainment Group, which has proposed building a multi-use stadium in downtown Los Angeles, also have been linked to the San Diego Chargers.
Bagley also wrote that while the Vikings have stated their desire to build a stadium on the site of the Metrodome, the team is "completing our due diligence on a number of potential stadium sites," including "some in Minneapolis and one suburban site."
The chat can be viewed at vikings.com.
