U of M Officials Used US Bank Luxury Suites

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some University of Minnesota officials say they have attended games in luxury suites at the new Minnesota Vikings stadium.

The suites are controlled by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority at U.S. Bank Stadium. The university officials will now personally write checks for their tickets.

The Star Tribune reports university athletic director Mark Coyle and his wife were among those who attended.

The university says the officials' attendance was "clearly work-related." But to avoid any appearance of impropriety, the school says the officials will pay for their tickets. It's unclear how much the officials will reimburse the stadium authority.

Authority chairwoman Michele Kelm-Helgen and executive director Ted Mondale say they use the suites for marketing purposes. Last week legislative auditor James Nobles said he's investigating the use of the suites.