State Lawmakers Discuss Tax Breaks For Super Bowl Bid and Longer Bar Hours for All-Star Game

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's bid to host the 2018 Super Bowl has led to discussions about potential tax breaks.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders were meeting privately Wednesday about tax changes that could be needed to land football's premier game.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk has said previously that the league expects cities that host the championship game will exempt player salaries from the income tax and lift taxes on game tickets. The state has a Super Bowl ticket exemption on the books from the 1991 game in Minneapolis.

House Speaker Paul Thissen says he needs to be convinced the state is getting a good deal in terms of "the economic benefits of bringing the Super Bowl versus the cost of doing these tax breaks."

Meanwhile, a Minnesota House panel is considering temporarily changing state law to let bars stay open until 4 a.m. when the All-Star Game comes to town this July.

The new closing time would pave the way for revelers in Hennepin County to celebrate America's national pastime for two extra hours.