During the 1997 legislative session, S.F. 1140 was introduced in the Senate. This bill included a roof for the stadium, a $35 million owner contribution, and a total cost of around $438 million. The facility was to be essentially paid for by an increase in the cigarette tax and a special taxing district around the new stadium. S.F. 1140 underwent significant revision, increasing the owner's contribution, changing the location of the stadium, and modifying the revenue streams. The bill was sent to the Senate Tax Committee, where a number of competing proposals were heard, including slots at Canterbury Park, sports-related fees, establishment of a new state-run casino, and numerous other member ideas. The bill did not progress past the Tax Committee.

In the House, H.F. 1367 was introduced, which started as a very similar companion to S.F. 1140. During its consideration before House committees, the bill at one point considered funding the stadium through a number of baseball-related fees and taxes. H.F. 1367 ended up in the House Tax Committee and did not progress any further.

A special legislative task force was set up to examine the baseball stadium issue and also to consider the needs of the Vikings football team and a new hockey team which is to have an arena constructed for it in St. Paul. A special session to address the issue of funding these sports facilities is scheduled for October.

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