Vikings Fans Gather For 1st Thanksgiving Game In 16 Years
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings don't need home-field advantage for fans to show their purple pride.
Team allegiance carries through no matter where and when the game is played.
"This is the first time in 21 years we've played on Turkey Day, against the Detroit Lions," said Vikings fan Bob Bukovich.
Football is often part of the family Thanksgiving tradition, so when Skolt Scott Asplund planned his watch party at Mermaids Entertainment and Event Center in Mounds View, he knew he would get a crowd.
"It's a nice way to bring fans together. I always enjoy watching the game more with a lot of friends than just a few people around the TV in the living room," said Asplund, of Viking World Order.
He also knew it would be easier to put the traditional gathering on hold with first place in the NFC North up for grabs.
"This is a big game," Asplund said.
Even with the change in holiday plans, some aspects of Thanksgiving remained the same.
Chef Mark Wenzel usually spends most Thanksgivings cooking for his family, but that guest list grew by a couple hundred this year.
"I think it's more stressful doing Thanksgiving with my family than it is doing it here," Wenzel said. "I have all the equipment, I have staff, I have a commercial dish washer."
Diners at Mermaids agreed.
"I get to eat this enjoyable food and I don't have to wash a single dish," said Vikings fan Laurie Senn.
While the game didn't go the Vikings' way, the team can be thankful for their loyal fan base.
"I'll stick with these guys, win, lose or draw," Bukovich said. "I love the talent."
Vikings fans gather for watch parties during every away game at Mermaids Entertainment and Event Center.
