Minnesota Vikings vice president Lester Bagley earns public policy award

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NEWS RELEASE — Eden Prairie, MN – Minnesota Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development Lester Bagley will be honored tonight (Tuesday, July 10) for his dedication and leadership in helping secure a new publicly-owned and operated stadium for the State of Minnesota and the Vikings.

As part of the Leaders in Public Policy 2012 program at the Saint Paul Hotel, Bagley will be honored alongside Gov. Mark Dayton, as well as stadium bill authors Sen. Julie Rosen and Rep. Morrie Lanning, with the “Public Policy Achievement (Sports)” award. The annual event hosted by Politics in Minnesota and the St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report “recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions toward Minnesota’s political, public policy or civic environment during the state’s current fiscal year or legislative session.”

“Lester’s unwavering passion and commitment to the stadium effort make him very deserving of this award,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “Because of his dedication, Minnesota will have a multi-purpose facility that will be a first-class destination in the Midwest and will leave a lasting legacy on the State. The Vikings organization is proud of Lester and his tremendous accomplishment for the State of Minnesota, the Vikings and our fans.”

“Without Lester Bagley, there would have been no stadium bill passed in the last legislative session,” said Gov. Dayton.

Despite an extremely difficult political environment and economy, Bagley oversaw the public discussion and advocacy effort surrounding a new stadium on behalf of the Vikings. With his guidance, a coalition of elected officials, Vikings fans and business, labor and community leaders organized to advance the stadium issue at the Minnesota Capitol, and on May 10, 2012, the efforts culminated with the House and Senate passing legislation to construct a $975 million multi-purpose stadium in Minneapolis. Just days later on May 14, Gov. Mark Dayton signed the bill into law.

“This legislation would not have passed without Lester’s leadership and perseverance,” said Sen. Rosen. “It was an honor to work with Lester and his team,” she added.