The Vikings are set to host the Browns at noon (Sunday) in Cleveland's first appearance at U.S. Bank Stadium and welcome the return of more than 100 alumni for Vikings Legends Weekend.
The centerpiece of Legends Weekend will be the induction of defensive tackle Kevin Williams into the Vikings Ring of Honor.
The six-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro arrived in Minnesota Friday and spoke with members of the media after Friday's practice.
"I'm excited. I've had a ton of emotions going on since about three months ago (when he learned of his induction), so I don't know how it's all going to play out, but I'm extremely excited and grateful," Williams said. "I'm just trying to soak it up. Everybody who knows me knows I was playing because I loved it. I wasn't playing for the accolades and all of that stuff, but this is definitely a tremendous moment. In my career, I didn't win any state championships, never won an NCAA title, so this is a big deal for me, and I really appreciate the Vikings organization for thinking of me in that way."
Williams played 171 regular-season games for Minnesota from 2003-13, a run that enabled him to team with three current Vikings — Everson Griffen, Harrison Smith and Adam Thielen.
View some of the best images of Kevin Williams from his days as a Viking.
Now, Thielen is on "about three" of Williams' six fantasy football teams, so he'll also keep an eye on Thielen's work in the red zone as well as the current defensive line's performance against Cleveland.
Additionally, the game will mark the return of longtime assistant Kevin Stefanski, who has been leading a turnaround for the Browns since his hire in 2020 after 14 seasons with the Vikings, and multiple other assistants with ties to Minnesota.
Mobile Vaccine Clinic Added
Before kickoff, the Vikings and the State of Minnesota are partnering to host a free, pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic (more details here).
How to connect with the game
On the airwaves
CBS (WCCO in the Twin Cities) will provide television coverage, and 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.
Verizon 5G Multi-View
New at U.S. Bank Stadium for 2021, Verizon 5G Multi-View features up to seven live camera angles through the Minnesota Vikings app, giving fans multiple looks at plays to enhance their game-day experience. Verizon 5G Multi-View is available only on IOS 5G-capable devices at select stadiums.
Live Chat
Vikings.com Team Reporter Eric Smith will host a live chat from U.S. Bank Stadium beginning at 10 a.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.
Harrison Smith, who made two signatures this year (a contract extension and marriage certificate), is featured on this week's cover, and the story has details on his long-term mutual commitment with the Vikings and his wedding. 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. A route will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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.
Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Road Closures
Due to the Twin Cities Marathon, several streets around U.S. Bank Stadium will be closed prior to Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.
Beginning at 4 a.m., nearly all streets between 5th Avenue and 11th Avenue and 7th Street and 3rd Street will be closed (click the link below to view the map). With 10-mile runners beginning at 7 a.m. and marathon runners following at 8 a.m., all roads around the stadium are expected to be clear no later than 9 a.m.
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 Certified TM program at U.S. Bank Stadium, which earned the Science Certified seal through an audit process.
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.
Activities
Delta Vikings Village (outside U.S. Bank Stadium)
The Delta Vikings Village will open at 9:30 a.m. and close one hour after the game ends.
It will include the following activities:
Live music performed by Hitchville from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Spaces sponsored by Andersen Windows + Doors, Crown Royal, Hy-Vee, MN Lottery, Mystic Lake and Xcel Energy
Food and beverages available from Aramark at The Longhouse (opens at 9:30 a.m.) and additional locations throughout the plaza
Vikings Locker Room Store merchandise trailers
Minnesota Vikings Foundation: Garage sale bags for sale on a first-come, first-serve basis
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 Andrew Glover and Vencie Glenn
The Commons (outside U.S. Bank Stadium)
Checkout the Vikings Tailgate Garden and enjoy your favorite Molson Coors while DJ A-Quill entertains from 9-11:30 a.m.
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
Food Trucks: All Square and Hy-Vee
Game Elements
"Showtime" sequence
In a nod to the 2016 U.S. Bank Stadium opening, which featured a halftime performance by the Minnesota Orchestra, the Vikings partnered with the Minnesota Orchestra for the grand reopening. This offseason, keyboardist and former member of The New Power Generation Tommy Barbarella composed "Symphony of the North," which was then conducted by world-renowned Music Director Osmo Vänskä and performed by the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra for use in the Vikings pregame show. Vänskä is in his final year as music director in 2021-2022.
The piece is part of the new "Showtime" sequence that features new dramatic team introductions prefaced by Vikings Ring of Honor member Jim Marshall's "Odin Story." The ironman and longtime team captain who started a franchise-record 270 consecutive games will lead other Legends in a video.
Marshall joined the Vikings when he was traded by the Cleveland Browns in September 1961, days ahead of the franchise's Inaugural Game.
Note: The Vikings strongly suggest fans try to make it to their seats by 11:45 a.m.
National Anthem
The Minnesota Orchestra Brass Quintet will perform the National Anthem.
Color Guard
United States Navy
Gjallarhorn
Vikings 2021 Ring of Honor inductee Kevin Williams
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
Williams will be interviewed by Greg Coleman during a break in the game action.
Halftime
Vikings Ring of Honor Induction Ceremony for Williams
Legends Autographs
The following Vikings Legends plan to sign autographs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Delta Sky 360° Club — Carl Lee
Medtronic Club — Sammy White
FMP Club — Jeff Wright
Polaris Club — Steve Jordan
Little Six Club — Alfred Anderson
Mystic Lake Club Purple — TBD
Split the Pot for the Minnesota Vikings Foundation
Split the Pot is a new raffle program that will give one lucky game day winner a chance to share the jackpot with the Minnesota Vikings Foundation. Raffle tickets of one, 10, 70, 200 and 500 can be purchased, ranging in price from $5 - $100 with a debit card from sellers outside on the Plaza and in the Commons and inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Sales will end at the 2-minute warning of the fourth quarter, and the winner will be posted on the Vikings Table Twitter account and online by 5 p.m. Monday.
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.
Sunday's Hometown Heroes are Settled Co-Founders Gabrielle Clowdus and Anne Franz. Settled originated to battle homelessness, which was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Settled has been building tiny home communities with shared spaces for individuals dealing with homelessness. The communities include support staff to help develop opportunities.
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.
Vikings Win, You Win!
Buy one Pothole Pizza from Kwik Trip and get the second one free the day after a Vikings win.
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.
Vikings Button-Up Presented by Miller Lite
The Vikings and Miller Lite are partnering to create a limited-edition, co-branded button-up shirt to benefit the Minnesota Vikings Foundation. With a minimum donation of $40, you will receive a shirt. All proceeds (minus a small processing fee) will go directly to the Minnesota Vikings Foundation courtesy of Miller Lite.
Beanies That Benefit Presented by Polaris
The Vikings and Polaris created a limited-edition beanie to raise funds for Every Meal, a Minnesota-based charity committed to ending children's hunger. With a minimum donation of $20, you will receive an exclusive beanie and help fund Every Meal's "Weekend Food Program." To show additional support, Polaris will also match your minimum donation on every hat purchased.
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.
