Faithful Fans Bring Costumes, Grills For Dome Tailgating
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Vikings fans were optimistic going into Sunday's game. While the future of the team is up for debate -- fans said they're not too concerned about where the team will play next year, yet.
As the Skol Line drummed its way through the many tailgates outside the Metrodome, you can hear the purple pride before you can see it.
Vikings fans fired up their grills in the mid-morning rain, hoping their team could cook up a victory that afternoon.
"This is 70 percent of why we come. The game is a bonus -- win or lose," said Mike Ables.
Ables celebrated his 29th season of coming to Vikings games with a big tailgate with friends.
"I get excited. I was telling the guys, when I get in [the Metrodome], the hair on the back of my neck still stands up," said Ables.
At this first tailgate of the year, the fans aren't concerned it'll be the last season of pre-party bliss.
"I think hopefully something will get done, whether or not it does, we're all hoping for that. But time will tell," Ables said.
Two hours before kickoff, the sea of purple is spotted with real-life warriors.
"My persona is Faryja, I'm the queen of the Valkyries," explained one costumed woman.
Faryja and her husband "Oden" dress up in Viking gear to share their enthusiasm and spirit with other fans.
"It doesn't matter if it's the rain, snow, 20-below, we are out here," she said. "There are people who spend all of their time and money to come to one Vikings game -- those are the people I love!"
While the costumes may come off after the game, win or lose, the spirit of the Viking has lived.
And as far as the purple faithful see it, the spirit will live for generations to come, whether the team is in Minneapolis, Arden Hills or Los Angeles.
