U.S. Bank Stadium Debt Payoff Due to Historic Electronic Pull Tab Success

Historic electronic pull tab success has positioned Minnesota for an early payoff of the state’s portion of U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Minnesota Vikings.
The state’s most recent budget forecast projected that the stadium reserve fund will hit $368 million by June 2023, meaning the state could pay off its bonds on the $1.1 billion building by mid-2023, 20 years ahead of schedule.

In 2012, e-pull tabs were authorized by the Minnesota legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton to finance the state’s portion of the stadium. The state agreed to cover $348 million toward the cost of the stadium. Since opening in 2016, U.S. Bank Stadium hosted Super Bowl LII in 2018 and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2019.

“The state’s most recent budget forecast makes clear that the Vikings and Minnesota charities have hit pay dirt with electronic pull tabs,” said Tony Chesak, executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association. “Minnesota’s bars and restaurants have been proud partners with charities in hosting these games. Since electronic pull tabs were legalized in 2012, proceeds from electronic charitable gambling have supported countless local charities, including veterans’ groups, volunteer fire departments and youth sports teams.”

“Electronic pull tabs are an extraordinary success story in Minnesota,” said Tracy Wigen, president of Electronic Gaming Group (EGG) and charitable gambling manager of the Competition Cheer Spirit Booster Club in Coon Rapids, Minn. “We are committed to continuing to make a positive difference in our local communities.”

“Pilot Games is pleased to see the Vikings and so many local veterans’ organizations, civic clubs and youth groups benefit from e-pull tabs,” said Jon Weaver, CEO and founder of Pilot Games, the biggest charitable gambling company in Minnesota. “We are honored to partner with the Vikings and the thousands of Minnesota charities that benefit from electronic charitable gambling.”