Eden Prairie, MN (November 17, 2014) – The City of Minneapolis has announced its intention to dedicate a street near the new Vikings stadium in honor of former Vikings and NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Bud Grant.
Plans call for 9th Avenue South between 6th Street and 7th Street to be named "Bud Grant Way" during a dedication ceremony open to the public at 12:15 p.m. on December 1, 2014. The name will replace the commemorative name "Carew Drive," which has since moved near Target Field.
"As we prepare to open the future home of Vikings football, it is appropriate to dedicate a street near the new stadium to the most prominent individual in Vikings history," said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. "Coach Grant epitomizes everything the Vikings stand for, and we are extremely proud that the City of Minneapolis is advocating for this recognition."
Grant served as the head coach of the Vikings for 18 seasons (1967-83, 1985), during which time he compiled a regular season record of 158-96-5 and led the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances (IV, VIII, IX, XI). Under Grant's leadership the Vikings won 11 NFC/NFL divisional championships, including a stretch of six consecutive titles from 1973-78.
Prior to joining the Vikings, Grant spent 10 years as the head coach of the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Through 10 seasons, he led the Bombers to six Grey Cups and won the CFL Championship four times (1958, '59, '61 and '62). In 28 total seasons as a head coach, Grant won a total of 290 football games. Grant was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 30, 1994, which made him the first person to be elected to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame (May 13, 1983).
Before his coaching career began, Grant played six years of professional football – two with the Philadelphia Eagles (1951-52) and four with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1953-56). He also played two seasons with the NBA's Minneapolis Lakers (1949-51), winning the 1949-50 NBA Championship with a 51-17 record.
STREET DEDICATION CEREMONY DETAILS
When
Monday, December 1
12:15 p.m. – Arrival; 12:30 p.m. – Program
Where
Ninth Avenue South between 6th and 7th Streets, Minneapolis
Who
Expected speakers to include (but not limited to):
Hall of Fame Head Coach Bud Grant
Vikings Alum Jim Marshall
Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf
