Office of the Legislative Auditor - Financial Audit Division

Report Summary
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
Financial Statement Audit

 

Financial Audit Division Report 13-25

Released October 17, 2013

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Conclusion

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority’s financial statements for the five-month period ended December 31, 2012, were fairly presented in all material respects. However, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority had some weaknesses in internal controls.

Findings

• The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority did not properly classify some nonoperating revenues and expenses in the financial statements it submitted to us for audit.
• The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority had not ensured that the concession vendor’s underlying receipt and expense transactions supported its reported net profit.

Audit Scope

We audited the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority’s basic financial statements for the five-month period from August 2012 (when the Authority was created) through December 31, 2012. We also audited the Authority’s internal controls and compliance with selected finance-related legal requirements.

Background

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority assumed responsibility for operating the Metrodome from the former Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission in August 2012. The Authority’s operations are governed by Minnesota Statutes 2012, 473J. The Authority, in consultation with the Minnesota Vikings, is also responsible for constructing and operating a new football stadium. The stadium will be financed with $477 million from the Minnesota Vikings, $348 million from the State of Minnesota, and $150 million from the City of Minneapolis. Construction of the new stadium is scheduled to occur from 2014 into 2016.