With the Vikings' new stadium nearing its initial groundbreaking, Minneapolis officials are looking for ways to use the facility outside of the NFL regular season. Mayor R.T. Rybak aims for his city to pursue a Super Bowl in 2018, the Democratic National Convention, and a possible bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Meet Minneapolis, the city's visitor bureau, expressed interest in the proposals. However, CEO Melvin Tennant cautioned against early speculation.

"It's very early in the process but I think we certainly want to be in the game when the time comes," said Tennant.

The NFL will unveil the winning bid for Super Bowl LII in May 2014, while bids for the 2024 Summer Olympics are required by 2015 -- given Minneapolis is chosen by the United States Olympic Committee first.

A long shot? Sure. But that isn't stopping Minneapolis officials from talking.