At long last, the 60th season of Minnesota Vikings football is upon us.
The Vikings and Packers are set to meet for the 120th overall time at noon (CT) Sunday.
While this post usually details all of the goings-on inside and outside of U.S. Bank Stadium on a game day, no fans will be in attendance because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The game is presented by U.S. Bank.
Vikings Entertainment Network has a new array of programing that will deliver elements to fans/bring them to the stadium virtually before kickoff and after the game is over.
How to connect with the game
On the airwaves
The game will be televised by FOX (KMSP in Minneapolis/St. Paul). It also will be broadcast on the Vikings Radio Network (KFAN 100.3-FM/KTLK 1130-AM are the flagship stations) and nationwide on ESPN Radio.
Click here for all of the ways to watch/listen/stream the game.
Vikings Pregame All-Access
Vikings Pregame All-Access, a new program presented by U.S. Bank, will be streamed live at 11 a.m. (CT) to Vikings.com, the Vikings mobile app, the Vikings Now Connected TV app, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Vikings Pregame All-Access will take fans inside the stadium and deliver exclusive, behind-the-scenes content that was previously only available in the stadium. Coverage will include Vikings warm-ups, live shots from the Vikings locker room and analysis in the hour leading up to kickoff.
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
In previous seasons, the Vikings Playbook has been available to all fans in U.S. Bank Stadium. This year, the team will offer the Playbook free at all 11 Minneapolis-St. Paul Hy-Vee locations. The Star Tribune will also package a set number in Sunday newspapers for every Vikings home game.
Pick up your print copy or view the digital version at vikingsplaybook.com or in the Vikings mobile app.
Vikings Postgame Live
Tune-in after each Vikings game on the team's digital and social platforms to watch Vikings Postgame Live presented by Mystic Lake. The show will feature expert analysis, highlights, Next Gen Stats and postgame sound from Head Coach Mike Zimmer.
Grab a Digital Seat
Presented by U.S. Bank, help the Vikings virtually fill the stadium against Green Bay by placing a photo of yourself in a seat. Gear up in your favorite Vikings garb, or use the character selfie tool to add some purple and gold to your outfit. Click here to place your photo.
Game elements
Game Theme: "Be the Change"
The Vikings organization is committed to causes that promote equality and ensure social justice, voting rights and positive reforms. In addition to having heartfelt discussions with teammates, Vikings players have committed to "Be the Change." Players will have the option of wearing a "Be the Change" or an NFL Players Association T-shirt during warm-ups. The backs of the "Be the Change" shirts display 200 names of individuals who have been killed because of racism or while in police custody and challenge all to "Say Their Names."
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer was asked Friday about the initiatives and game elements to bring awareness to social justice issues announced earlier that morning and said:
"I think, first of all, our team and our ownership and our Social Justice Committee have done an unbelievable job. The number of things that we're trying to do to help the communities, help bring people together, and I think that's really what it's all about. Just trying to bring all people together and make everybody equal. I'm proud of our guys."
National Anthem: The National Anthem will be performed by Sounds of Blackness, a Grammy-winning ensemble group from the Twin Cities that performs multiple genres of music to deliver messages of "hope, unity, love and peace for all humankind."
Gjallarhorn: TBA
Show of Support: The words "It Takes All of Us" will be painted at the back line of one end zone, and "End Racism" will be painted at the other end zone. Players have the option of wearing a helmet decal, and coaches have the option of wearing a hat patch to show support for social justice initiatives.
Lift Every Voice and Sing: At the conclusion of player warm-ups, a pre-recorded musical performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson will accompany a video showcasing the social justice work that NFL clubs and players are doing to make an impact in the community.
George Floyd Family Recognition: The Vikings will recognize the family of George Floyd following the performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Game-day promotions
U.S. Bank Hometown Heroes:
The U.S. Bank Hometown Heroes program honors individuals who have gone to extraordinary measures to make positive differences in the community. If you would like to nominate someone, visit Vikings.com/fans/promos/hometown-hero.
Sunday's Hometown Heroes are two members of the Twin Cities community who have donated their time and resources to give back to those in need. In 2017, Sara and Jamil Stamschror-Lott founded Creative Kuponya, an organization designed to provide therapy and healing to members in the community. On top of their work with Creative Kuponya, both Jamil and Sara work with numerous organizations to bring equality, social justice and health to the forefront of our society.
Jamil and Sara also serve as the Institute Director and Wellness Director, respectively, at All Square, which is a civil rights organization working to employ and empower people impacted by the justice system. After the civil unrest in Minneapolis this May, Jamil and Sara's newly purchased office was severely damaged, causing the couple to re-imagine how they provide therapy and healing to those in need. Shortly after, the couple decided to conduct free weekly community healing sessions in South Minneapolis, to help individuals cope with trauma experienced from the civil unrest in the Twin Cities.
Vikings Fans in the Stands Presented by Caribou Coffee
The Vikings have partnered with Caribou Coffee to allow fans to purchase a cutout to be placed in the stands for all home games at U.S. Bank Stadium. The cutouts are available to the fans for pickup at the conclusion of the season, and 100% of the net proceeds will go to support charitable causes within the community. Fans can visit vikings.com/cutouts for more information or to place an order.
Pass or Play and Stat Showdown presented by Mystic Lake
Expand your game-day activities to include a pair of free-to-play fantasy football games presented by Mystic Lake. The games are available in the Vikings mobile app and on the web.
Hy-Vee Fuel Saver
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.
CenturyLink Legends Connection
Don't miss your chance to virtually meet fan-favorite football heroes all season. CenturyLink has teamed up with your Minnesota Vikings for the Legends Connection Meet & Greet Sweepstakes — an opportunity for a 30-minute virtual Meet & Greet with a Vikings Legend. For a chance to win, enter online at vikings.com/fans/centurylink-promo.
Kwik Trip Opening Drive
The Kwik Trip opening drive contestant for Week 1 is Jake Meyers from New Richmond, Wisconsin. Jake will win $25 for every yard earned on the Vikings opening drive plus a $500 bonus if it ends with a field goal or $1,000 if it ends with a touchdown. To enter, visit your neighborhood Kwik Trip today.
60 Greatest Vikings Fans Presented by U.S. Bank
In celebration of 60 seasons of Vikings football, the Vikings are naming 60 of their most passionate supporters to the 60 Greatest Fans Team. If you know someone with unyielding dedication to the Vikings, nominate that fan today at vikings.com/60Fans.
Skol Scribbles Contest Driven by Polaris
Enter the Skol Scribbles contest by submitting your idea for weekly photo transformations. You could win one of 16 weekly prize packs from Polaris. Follow the @vikings on Instagram or Snapchat Stories to learn more.
Frontline Features Presented by Miller Lite
Frontline Features will recognize extraordinary Vikings fans throughout the season who have overcome challenges to make a difference for others during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week's honoree is James Christman. Working with The Sanneh Foundation, James has exceeded the everyday duties of his job by assisting the service of meals to more than 50,000 families in need since the pandemic hit His commitment is evident in the long hours he devotes to rescuing and distributing fresh food around the Twin Cities to those who need it most. Nominate others at vikings.com/frontline.
Buffalo Wild Wings Sacks for Apps
Buffalo Wild Wings brings you "Sacks for Apps" during all Vikings home and away games this season. When the Vikings record 3.0 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 more details.
