Arent Fox Partner Richard Brand quoted in Minneapolis Star-Tribune"Trying to hold on to Vikings"

    August 29, 2010

    Arent Fox’s Richard Brand, a partner in the firm’s Sports Practice, was quoted in an article appearing in the Star-Tribune exploring some of the legal issues surrounding the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings possible efforts to relocate to a new stadium.

    ‘Experts are divided on whether a 2006 court case involving the Twins' efforts to escape the Metrodome could let the stadium's landlords get away with holding on to the Vikings.

    Richard Brand, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who specializes in sports law, said the commission could argue the Vikings were effectively extending their Dome lease if they sell season tickets and take ads after the 2011 season. But Brand said it would have to be clear the Vikings had misled their fans and advertisers by acting in a way that suggested they were staying for another season and then, at the 11th hour, suddenly waving goodbye.

    "The more unambiguous [the Vikings' intent to stay], the better the commission's argument," Brand said.’

    To read the full article, please click here.