MINNEAPOLIS  — The Minnesota Vikings are ready to move forward with a stadium plan when lawmakers return for a special session to end the state government shutdown.

Vikings vice president Lester Bagley tells The Associated Press the team has been “respectful” and “patient” during budget talks. But now that Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and GOP leaders have agreed to end the budget impasse, Bagley says “we’re ready to move forward with the stadium issue.”

Bagley says the team is “very close” to an agreement with the governor’s office and the bill’s author.

The proposed stadium would be built in suburban Arden Hills.

The Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome expires after the 2011 season.