Could a Vikings Super Bowl change economic expectations?

(KMSP) - With the Vikings near the top of the NFC, they could become the first team to ever play in a Super Bowl at their home stadium.

But if the Vikings manage to make it to the big game, would that affect the amount of money the Super Bowl is supposed to bring to our state?

"Let’s hope we find out because it hasn't happened anywhere and we'd love to test that concept," said Maureen Bausch, MN Super Bowl Host Committee CEO.

Research shows holding the NFL championship here will pump about 400 million dollars into the local economy, the host committee said. 

According to the league, if the Vikings reach the Super Bowl, both it and the AFC champion would each get about 19 percent of the tickets to the game.

The NFL keeps about 25 percent for media, staff and corporate sponsors, while the other 30 teams in the league split the remaining 37 percent.  

Even though it may look like the Twin Cities could lose some revenue by only having fans from one out-of-town team coming to spend money here instead of two, the host committee believes Vikings fans from the upper Midwest and beyond would more than make up the difference.

"It might draw more [and] people will buy more memorabilia. If you live in South Dakota and your team is playing in the game, even if you don't have a ticket, we hope you come and enjoy the festivities," Bausch said.

And with a million people expected to attend those festivities whether the Vikings are in it or not, the host committee believes Minnesota would still be able to take the Super Bowl all the way to the bank.

"It's not a problem. It's a wonderful opportunity, and we're just crossing our fingers they keep marching on," Bausch said.