Time at St. John's Impacts Vikings Director of Pro Scouting

Vikings Director of Pro Scouting Ryan Monnens is entering his 15th season with the team's scouting and fourth in his current position.

Monnens began his career as an intern in 1998 after his collegiate career as a wide receiver for legendary Head Coach John Gagliardi at St. John's. Gagliardi has more wins to his name than any collegiate coach.

*St. Cloud Times *reporter Frank Rajkowksi caught up with Monnens, a Minnesota native, who told Rajkowski that he feels positive about the **direction the team is headed** after two seasons of General Manager Rick Spielman and Head Coach Mike Zimmer working together.

"Coach Zimmer knows exactly what he wants when it comes to personnel, and the communication between everybody on staff is better than it's ever been," Monnens told Rajkowski. "You're seeing the results of that on the field."

Monnens' position entails preparing scouting reports on the Vikings opponents and also plays an important role in recommending players to be claimed off waivers or during the free agency period.

"We have such a great group here, and we work so closely together," Monnens told Rajkowksi. "It's not like one of us is ever an island when it comes to making a decision." 

Monnens remains in touch with former St. John's teammate Trent Kirchner, co-director of player personnel for the Seattle Seahawks. Kirchner graduated two years after Monnens at St. John's.

"I'm not sure if there's a connection," Monnens said. "But Trent and I both went through the football program there, and we got to play under (Gagliardi). That was a great learning opportunity for both of us.

"Then we both ended up getting our feet in the door. After that, it really boils down to work ethic when it comes to how far you can go."

Update on U.S. Bank Stadium's Seats, Suites Available

After months and months of hard work, U.S. Bank Stadium is nearly complete. Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune has been covering the Vikings new home from the beginning and recently offered takes on the stadium's design and upcoming opening. She also provided **updated numbers on suite and ticket sales**.

Olson said that an emphasis on fan experience has been made in each step of the stadium process, and the focus on fans is reflected in the numbers. She wrote:

More than 48,500 stadium-builder licenses have been sold out of the 49,700 available, according to the team. Of the 131 suites, all but two have been sold. More than 60,000 seats are committed for the upcoming season, leaving just the 3,250 single-game tickets that will go on sale this month.

Olson wrote that "enthusiasm for the project reaches into the surrounding neighborhood," which has grown to now include additions such as a new city park, housing, a hotel and a new office tower.