It’s time for Minnesota to decide what to do about the Metrodome. It’s a decision that has been put off for more than a decade now.

This should be the legislative session where state leaders either opt to tear it down and build a new football stadium or opt to tell the pro sports franchise with the largest fan base in the state to hit the road.

The Minnesota Vikings are not making threats, to the credit of the team leaders, but they cannot discount the pressure put on them by other NFL team owners because the Metrodome remains below league standards. And the Vikings’ lease at the Metrodome runs out in 2011.

How the financing of a football stadium should be worked is up to state lawmakers. The facility must belong to the state and, like the Metrodome did, eventually should pay for itself. We also favor keeping the Vikes in downtown Minneapolis, the best gathering place for the entire state.

Yes, it’s a year of economic woes, but anyone who visits a state or national park knows that a lot of work was accomplished in the depths of the Great Depression. Often, a recession is the best time to get the work done. Building contracts are more competitive, making prices more reasonable for taxpayers.

Demolition of the Metrodome and construction of a new stadium creates jobs and generates tax revenue for state coffers. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission told a House committee that building a new stadium would create 8,000 jobs and bring $32 million a year in revenue.

It is unfair that the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Gophers all have their homes, yet the team with the most fans remains in an outdated facility. Team officials have been more than patient. It really is time at least to give them answers. Like the song by the The Clash says, “Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble. And if I stay there will be double.”