BLAINE (AP) &045; The Minnesota Vikings are getting a helping hand from a Minnesota Wild executive in their pursuit of a new stadium in Anoka County.

Wild CEO Jac Sperling has joined the Anoka County negotiating team that’s working out a contract with the Vikings for a new stadium in Blaine.

Sperling has been instrumental in stadium projects throughout the country, including the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul and Coors Field in Denver.

The Vikings and Anoka County are working on a deal to submit to the state Legislature in anticipation of a possible special session this fall.

&uot;Sperling is among a handful of experts on the construction and management of major league sports facilities in the U.S,&uot; said Steve Novak, who is leading Anoka’s stadium push. &uot;He has almost encyclopedic knowledge of stadium issues between teams and jurisdictions, and he’s affiliated with people who have been working with the NFL.&uot;

Gov. Tim Pawlenty could call the session to deal with stadium requests from the Minnesota Twins and the University of Minnesota. The Vikings want to be included, too.

Sperling told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he was impressed with Anoka County’s play so far.

&uot;I want to do whatever I can to help Anoka County,&uot; Sperling said Monday. &uot;I’m impressed with what they’ve done so far and their commitment to try to bring a Vikings stadium to Anoka.&uot;