The Vikings and Broncos are scheduled to open a preseason as opponents for the second time since 2018 when Minnesota hosts Denver at 3:05 p.m. (CT) Saturday.

This isn't just any preseason game, though. It marks the first return of fans to U.S. Bank Stadium for a Vikings game in nearly 600 days (Dec. 29, 2019). The gates to the venue are scheduled to open at 1 p.m.

Kirk Cousins made his debut as a Viking in the Rocky Mountains in 2018, and there are numerous connections between the teams, including another stop on Teddy Bridgewater’s football journey.

Click here to check out remaining tickets.

How to connect with the game

On the airwaves

A simulcast will air on KMSP Fox 9 in the Twin Cities and NFL Network outside of the Twin Cities. KFAN (100.3-FM), KTLK 1130-AM and the five-state Vikings Radio Network will broadcast the game.

Click here for all of the ways to watch/listen/stream the game.

Minnesota Vikings mobile app

Keep the Vikings nearby wherever you go with the Minnesota Vikings mobile app. A source for news and exclusive features, the app also will stream video broadcasts of games for people in the market/broadcast area of each game.

The Minnesota Vikings mobile app is available for iPhone and Android.

Live Chat

Vikings.com Team Reporter Eric Smith will host a live chat from U.S. Bank Stadium beginning at 1 p.m. (CT). Join the conversation with Staff Writer/Assistant Editor Lindsey Young and Senior Editor Craig Peters before the game and stay connected with in-game updates.

Vikings Playbook (digital version)

The return of fans means the return to U.S. Bank Stadium by the Vikings Playbook. A digital version is available for all at vikingsplaybook.com and in the mobile app.

Irv Smith, Jr., is featured on the cover. You can view web version of the story here or within the book at the above link.

NFL Game Pass

Can't catch this one live or in-person? NFL Game Pass has you covered. Beyond live streaming for subscribers, it features full-length and condensed games on-demand and other NFL programming and features.

Start your free trial of NFL Game Pass.

Logistics

Getting to U.S. Bank Stadium

Vikings.com/stadium includes information regarding health and safety protocols, parking, tailgating, rideshare and public transit options. It also includes an A to Z guide, maps, and information about the NFL's bag policy and the fan code of conduct.

Skyway Access

The extended skyway route (map below) and hours will once again be in place in 2021.

Traffic/Construction

Due to construction at the intersection of 11th Avenue S and Washington Avenue S, fans will not be allowed to travel south on 11th Avenue S from Washington Avenue and must use detour routes.

Health & Safety Protocols

Cashless Experience

For safety and efficiency purposes, cash payments are no longer accepted inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Fans must bring credit and debit cards or use contactless options like Apple Pay for all purchases.

Enhanced Cleaning

U.S. Bank Stadium offers a clean and safe environment for guests through the virus-fighting protection of a bi-polar ionization system installed in every air handling unit in the venue. Additionally, the Vikings partnered with Ecolab to implement the Ecolab Science CertifiedTM program at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Face Coverings

To reduce the risk of being infected with the COVID-19 Delta variant and spreading it to others, the CDC is currently recommending all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings in public indoor settings. While face coverings will not be required inside U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings are strongly encouraging fans to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks inside the stadium.

Health Screenings

For the safety of all fans, players and game day staff, if within the 14 days preceding the game a fan has tested positive for COVID-19, has experienced COVID-19 related symptoms or is feeling generally unwell, he/she should stay home. Should a fan begin to feel unwell while at U.S. Bank Stadium, a game day staff member should be notified immediately; appropriate facilities and resources are available as necessary.

Vaccine clinic available

The Minnesota Vikings are once again partnering with the State of Minnesota in the fight against COVID-19, this time by hosting walk-up vaccinations outside U.S. Bank Stadium. The Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be offered from noon to 3 from a mobile vaccination bus that will be located near the U.S. Bank light rail station near Chicago Avenue.

The first 100 fans to receive a vaccination will have an opportunity to choose from a variety of autographed Vikings mini helmets. Those receiving a vaccine also will be entered into a drawing to win two Medtronic Club tickets for the Vikings-Packers game on Nov. 21. Minnesotans who receive their first vaccine through Aug. 15 is eligible for a $100 Visa gift card from the State of Minnesota.

Activities

Delta Vikings Village (outside U.S. Bank Stadium)

The Delta Vikings Village will open at noon and close one hour after the game ends.

It will include the following activities:

Music provided by DJ Omaur from noon to 3 p.m.

Spaces sponsored by Andersen Windows + Doors, Crown Royal, Hy-Vee, MN Lottery and Mystic Lake

Food and beverages available from Aramark at The Longhouse (open 12:30 p.m. until one hour after the game) and additional locations throughout the plaza

Vikings Locker Room Store merchandise trailer

Minnesota Vikings Foundation Silent Auction

Bag check (on Park Avenue, just south of 4th Street and north of the Light Rail tracks; open from noon until one hour after the game; cost is $10 per bag

Autographs by Vikings Legends Autry Beamon and Rickey Young from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The Commons (outside U.S. Bank Stadium)

Numerous family friendly activities are planned for The Commons, including the following:

Minnesota Vikings Chuck for Charity

Inflatable games, tailgate games and face painting

Performances by the SKOL Line and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders

Game Elements

National Anthem

Kat Perkins, a Minnesota native and semifinalist on "The Voice" will sing the National Anthem.

Color Guard

Members of the Minnesota National Guard will present the colors.

Gjallarhorn

Gable Steveson, the University of Minnesota star who just won gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, will sound the Gjallarhorn.

Game Theme

The theme of the game is Play Football. The NFL Play Football initiative was created to provide opportunities for youth to learn life lessons through the game of football, enabling them to be applied on and off the field.

Player Warmups

DJ Skee returns with a set-list composed of players' favorite warmup songs. The SkeeTV host, Dash radio founder and St. Paul native is widely considered a leading voice in the hip-hop community.

TCO Legends Connection

Brian Robison played his entire career (2007-17) with the Vikings. He ranks third among Vikings defensive ends in games played (173) behind Jim Marshall (270) and Carl Eller (209), is tied for ninth in team history with 60 sacks and hosted the epic "96 Questions with Brian Robison" series that is still popular on the Vikings YouTube Channel.

Legends Autographs

The following Vikings Legends plan to sign autographs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Delta Sky 360° Club — Willie Howard

Medtronic Club — Stu Voigt

FMP Club — Bob Lurtsema

Polaris Club — John Turner

Little Six Club — Rufus Bess

Mystic Lake Club Purple — Gene Washington

Promotions

Hometown Heroes Presented by U.S. Bank

During each home game, U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Vikings will recognize individuals who have helped make our community a better place. The program honors individuals who have gone to extraordinary measures to make positive differences in the community.

Kim Royston, a former Gophers safety and current assistant principal at Plymouth Middle School, is Saturday's Hometown Hero. When multiple gunshots were fired by a student, Royston was the first to arrive and deescalate the situation until law enforcement officers arrived. Royston's heroic actions prevented injuries to anyone.

Vikings Fancam Presented by U.S. Bank

The Vikings Fancam captures your excitement throughout the game. Tag yourself and enter to win prizes at vikings.fancam.com.

Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks®

THEY score, YOU save! Shop your local Hy-Vee store following game day to receive great fuel savings. Simply spend the same amount that the Vikings scored, and earn a one-cent credit on your Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® card. If the Vikings score 14 points, spend $14 or more the next day and earn 14 cents of credit on your Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® card. Promotion valid at all Minnesota Hy-Vee locations; some limitations apply. See stores for details.

Opening Drive Sweepstakes Presented by Kwik Trip

Buy a Pothole Pizza or a 20-oz Pepsi product with your Kwik Rewards Card and you are entered for your chance to win cash in the Vikings Opening Drive. Buy both a Pothole Pizza and a Pepsi product and you will earn 10 bonus entries. Game-day contestants will have the chance to win a Ford Bronco Sport from Northland Ford Dealers at the end of the season. Stop by any Minnesota Kwik Trip store for details.

Pepsi Prize Pack

Simply scan your Pepsi cup with the Vikings app or select "Augmented Reality" within the Vikings app to unlock Vikings photo filters. Share yours using #VikingsGameFace for your chance to win! For full contest rules, visit vikings.com/VikingsGameFace.

Sacks for Apps Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings brings you "Sacks for Apps" during all Vikings home and away games this season! When the Vikings record two or more sacks in a game, all fans score a free appetizer with a minimum purchase of $5. Offer is valid for three days after each eligible game. Visit vikings.com/bww for your digital coupon and offer details.

Fan of the Year Presented by Captain Morgan

Does your Vikings fandom go beyond the game? The Vikings and the NFL are celebrating extraordinary fans who are a positive influence and inspire others through their love of football. Nominate yourself or others for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles! Enter at nfl.com/fanoftheyear.

#VikingsHAIR Presented by Spalon Montage

Spalon Montage is giving one lucky fan a $100 gift card. Tweet a photo of you at the game to @vikingspromo using #VikingsHAIR for a chance to win.

Charity Auction Benefiting the Minnesota Vikings Foundation

Bid on the latest and greatest Vikings memorabilia for auction benefiting the Minnesota Vikings Foundation. By registering for the auction, you will be the first to know about new items, one-of-a-kind art pieces and exclusive experiences. How else are you going to get on the field on game day or meet your favorite Vikings Legend? Bids close at the end of the third quarter, and you do not need to be present to bid or win. Browse all items for auction at bidpal.net/vikings2021.