Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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The Vikings preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders yesterday at TCF Bank Stadium drew enthusiastic responses from fans accustomed to watching their team play in the now-demolished Metrodome. 

The Vikings will be playing at the University of Minnesota's outdoor stadium for the next two years while the team's new stadium is constructed in downtown Minneapolis. 

Vikings, fans ready for August outdoor football -- but what about January?

Kevin Kahle of St. Paul brought his 11-year-old son to the game, although they're both bigger baseball fans. He said the college feel of this game was more enjoyable than other he's attended.  

"The Metrodome was such a toilet bowl with the lid closed," Kahle said. "This is such a better stadium." 

Frances Green of Golden Valley agreed with the sentiment. 

"Before I think it was just kind of run down and sad," Green said of the Metrodome. "This will bring a little life to the team and to the fans in a new place, a new environment -- I think it will be fun."

Green's family has season tickets, although she doesn't see herself using them later in the season.

"The rest of the family can use the tickets when it's cold," Green said. "My brother and my dad are looking forward to it -- they have their snowmobile suits ready and everything." 

There was a festive atmosphere in and around the stadium despite the heat and pricey bottles of water that were on offer. It was just six and half minutes into the first quarter that the Vikings put their first points on the board with a touchdown by Matt Asiata. The team kept the Raiders on their toes with a 10-6 finish.  

Many fans took advantage of the nearby Metro Green Line light rail stop to get to the game. Amy Wolter and her husband came down earlier in the afternoon to hang out around campus. 

"Being outside is a big deal, in the Metrodome you're just enclosed," Wolter said. "I'm excited to have the fireworks go off and not have the smoke circulating around for the rest of the game."

Even the vendors sensed some change in attitude. Joan Wagner has sold Vikings merchandise for 15 years. She said Friday that she was seeing a brisk business in hats and visors. 

"We have a new coach and new quarterback," Wagner said. "I think everybody is excited to see how we'll do this year." 

 
The next Vikings preseason game at TCF Bank Stadium is scheduled for Aug. 16 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Sports

Jon Collins

Author

There was a festive atmosphere in and around the stadium despite the heat. It was just six and half minutes into the first quarter that the Vikings put their first points on the board with a touchdown by Matt Asiata.

Fans embrace Vikings' new home at preseason opener

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