With a new stadium project in the works, the Minnesota Vikings now turn their eyes to football's biggest stage.
Lester Bagley, the team's vice president of public affairs and stadium development, confirmed Thursday the Vikings have submitted a bid for either the 2018, '19 or '20 Super Bowl, according to 1500ESPN.com.
The bid alone is cause for celebration for Vikings fans. The battle to get funding for a new stadium was a grisly one, a long process that ended when the Minnesota Legislature finally approved funding in May.
The Vikings are scheduled to move into the new stadium in 2016. It will stand roughly in the same spot as the Metrodome, which has been the Vikings' home since 1982. Minneapolis previously hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992.
Based on recent history, the Vikings will have a good chance of landing the game. The Arizona Cardinals (2008), Dallas Cowboys (2011) and Indianapolis Colts (2012) all hosted Super Bowls shortly after opening new stadiums. MetLife Stadium -- the dual home of the New York Jets and New York Giants that opened in 2010 -- will host Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
