Vikings Call Metrodome Home until 2013 Season
The Minnesota Vikings call the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome home in downtown Minneapolis. The dome’s roof is made of a fiberglass fabric material that is held up by air pressure. The Metrodome seating chart shows a detailed map of seat options for Vikings games.
The Metrodome has hosted a championship for almost every major sport. The Super Bowl, World Series, NCAA Final Four and the MLB All-Star Game have all been played there. It was also the former home to the MLB’s Twins and the University of Minnesota’s football team. Visitors going to a Vikings game should note that the stadium is located near other tourist attractions including the Mall of America that is less than 10 miles away.
Before a game fans can enjoy the Vikings Party on the Plaza that opens two hours prior to kickoff. Fans can visit with the mascot Viktor the Viking, the team’s cheerleaders and the drum core. Interactive games including a field goal kick and helmet bounce are also there for fans to try out. In addition, alumni Viking players are available to give autographs. The Party on the Plaza takes places on the northwest side of the stadium.
Tailgating is another great way for fans to have fun before kickoff. Fans can purchase season passes for the official Vikings Tailgating Lots. The passes start at just over $300 and offer access to restrooms and charcoal bins.
Upgraded tailgating options are available in the VIP tent where visitors can access a buffet and open bar. Additionally, the Vikings Lounge is an indoor restaurant that also includes food and an open bar. Both of these locations include appearances by Vikings alumni.
Inside the stadium, fan favorite food items include the jalapeno and cheese bratwurst and deep fried cheese curds. A variety of bison meats are offered including hotdogs, bratwursts and cheeseburgers. Wings from around the world are also offered allowing visitors to select from a variety of sauces such as sweet red chili and barbecue.
The Metrodome is known as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL because of the acoustics under the domed roof. Adding to the noise is the sounding of the Gjallarhorn before kickoff letting the audience know the Vikings are coming into the stadium. Each game an honorary Viking is selected for the honor of sounding the horn that is also sounded after big plays throughout the game.
Single game tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster and range in price from $15 to $143. A special standing room only area at the Metrodome is the Miller Lite Party Deck. Tickets must be won to gain access to the deck; they are not available for purchase. Miller Lite has a Street Team which makes appearances at various locations to award tickets to fans.
Fans wanting to check out the Metrodome should plan to watch a game there soon because the Vikings will call another stadium home in just a few years. The team will continue to play there until the 2013 season with the new stadium completed by 2016 on the current Metrodome site.
