Viking fans are ready for some football! After two disappointing seasons, there is a lot of optimism that this year, the Vikings will have a winning team. Viking fans also want to see if Christian Ponder will become the official quarterback of the future. Fans want to see Adrian Peterson break more records. Most of all, Vikings fans want to talk about football.
When you talk about football, you are also talking about tailgating. As I am old enough to remember the old days at Met Stadium, tailgating at a Vikings game has always been as important as wearing purple and gold. There is nothing more festive than grilling up a few brats, enjoying an adult beverage and throwing around a football. Tailgating is not just about the food, but about the Vikings tradition. This is when family and friends huddle around the grill and share tales of their favorite players or Super Bowl losses.
The Vikings tailgating tradition lives on, in Minneapolis, near the Metrodome. Currently, the Vikings have a pre-paid tailgating program in three special parking lots dedicated to tailgating.
Here is the 2012 tailgating guide for the Minnesota Vikings fans:
Playing Surface: UBU-Intensity Series-S5-M Synthetic Turf
Year Open: 1982
Seating Capacity: 64,111
Tailgating Lots: There are three designated parking lots for tailgating. All three lots are in close proximity to the Metrodome. These three tailgating parking lots include the Purple Tailgate Lot 1 at 700 4th Street South, Purple Tailgate Lot 2 at 301 Portland Avenue and Purple Tailgate Lot 3 at 500 4th Street South. All three lots are along the same street and can be seen on this handy map.
Parking Lot Price: The price varies from $40 to $60.
RV Parking:
Any RV, bus or oversized vehicle that do not fit into a standard 9′ x 18′ space must park at Purple Tailgate Lot 3 at 500 4th Street South. Any oversized vehicle must pay a minimum of three parking spaces. Fans who wish for a tailgating season pass must specify that they need one for an RV as these parking spots are separate.
Tailgating Hours: With games that have a 12pm start, the lots open at 6am. Lots will open at 8am for games with a 3pm star. For all games, closing time is two hours after the football game is finished
What is allowed: Charcoal or propane grills are allowed. There is a container provided to remove used coals. Beer and alcohol are allowed. Anyone consuming alcohol must abide by the laws. Coolers, lighters, tables, chairs, foot warmers and blankets are allowed. Most importantly, fun tailgating food is allowed. Sliders, brats, steaks, chops, fresh corn on the cob all make for fabulous tailgating fare. If you bring along some cole slaw, potato salad and bars for dessert, you have a feast to enjoy before and after the game. Don’t forget to bring your radio to listen to the pre and post game analysis and discussion and a football to throw around!
What is not allowed: Once you are parked in a lot, circulating between parking lots is forbidden. Although propane and charcoal is allowed, wood-burning fires are prohibited. There is a container to dispose of charcoal, but random charcoal dumping is prohibited. There are garbage containers available, but random litter dumping is prohibited. There are restrooms available at the tailgating lots, so that said, public urination is prohibited and illegal. Although radios and music are allowed, loud music and sounds from vehicles are prohibited. Lastly, solicitation of any kind, including the sales of clothing and merchandise is strictly forbidden.
Pre-Game Activities: Two hours before each game, The Party Plaza in front of the dome is a must There are booths and tents set up with food vendors, games of skill and live music. The Vikings cheerleaders and Viktor, the beloved Vikings mascot always show up and get the crowd cheering. This is a lot of fun and this festive atmosphere is an energizer.
Personal Experience with Tailgating: As I grew up with the wonderful Met Stadium tailgating experience, the downtown tailgating experience is more of a challenge. The number one tip is to get there early. Also, if you plan on meeting friends, make sure you are all meeting up at the same time and all go to the right tailgating spot, especially if you plan on parking next to each other. Often, one friend will drive to the dome and park at the tailgating lot, with the food and the gear. The rest of us will then take the light rail to the stadium. We all meet up and all have a great time. This is much cheaper. I also recommend heading out to the plaza before the game. The atmosphere is fun and as the Metrodome concourse gets very crowded, I like to get into the stadium early and enjoy all of the festivities before the game begins. After the game, we usually go back to the tailgating location and enjoy a burger before heading home. The other option is to take the light rail to towards Nicollet Avenue or the Warehouse District towards one of the local sports bars, such as The Local or Glueks, for a burger and a brew.
