We've heard plenty about the Twins' new stadium and how the Vikings want a new one, too.
But, another Twin Cities sports team is also hoping for some state funding for a new home.
The St. Paul Saints say they need a new ballpark and are looking at options on how to get one.
St. Paul's minor league baseball franchise is among the city's most popular attractions.
But the St. Paul Saints said they've outgrown their home at Midway Stadium. And team owner Mike Veeck said the Saints experience is not just about baseball.
"Absolutely it's not, it's about community," Veeck said.
The Saints said they will kick in $10 million toward the $45 million ballpark, located near the St. Paul Farmer's Market, just off the Lafayette Bridge.
The stadium would have a total seating capacity of 7,500.
The senator carrying the bill said the Saints and Midway Stadium have a cult following, adding that she held her wedding reception there.
But she said the 28-year-old facility has outlived its usefulness.
"(A) little crumbling facility that's kind of landlocked by train tracks and a car wash and a couple of other things," Sen. Ellen Anderson said. "Putting it in the downtown area means you are going to generate so much more economic activity."
At the no-frills Midway stadium, the teams take turns taking showers. The new ballpark would have lockers rooms, and bathrooms instead of portable toilets. And the owner's promise not to raise prices.
"Tickets, $5 to $12, concessions, $2 hot dogs, $3 beer? People are going to get sticker shock," Veeck said.
Unlike the history of other professional sports team owners, Veeck is not threatening to move the Saints if he doesn't get a stadium.
"Woodbury here we come, if we don't get this stadium," Veeck said, with a laugh.
The Saints would be allowed to sell naming rights and keep parking revenue. And the team promises not to raise prices.
