EAGAN, Minn. — A centerpiece of celebrations throughout the NFL's 100th season, Vikings Fantennial Weekend presented by Courtyard by Marriott will occur this Friday-Sunday.
The events also coincide with the annual Vikings Legends Weekend, with more than 100 former players and coaches reuniting in Minnesota.
Returnees include members of the 1969 Vikings that recorded double-digit wins for the first time in franchise history while winning 12 consecutive games, a mark that remains the most by a Minnesota team. That squad dominated multiple opponents and defeated Cleveland 27-7 in the NFL Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl IV. The following season, the NFL and American Football League merged and began relying on subsequent Super Bowls to determine the NFL champ.
Friday, Sept. 20
Defensive tackle and Purple People Eater Gary Larsen (1965-74) is scheduled to appear at the Friday Football Feast, which will be held this week at Buffalo Wild Wings in Champlin (11580 Theater Drive N).
The Vikings Prep Spotlight series presented by FVP at TCO Stadium is scheduled to open the 2019 three-game slate at 7 p.m. with the Shakopee Sabers "hosting" the Eden Prairie Eagles at the Vikings headquarters.
The matchup features a unique connection to Vikings lore. Eden Prairie Head Coach Mike Grant is a son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Bud Grant (1967-83; 1985; currently a consultant) and worked as a ball boy during multiple Vikings training camps.
Saturday, Sept. 21
The Fantennial Events will shift to the Mall of America, which resides where Metropolitan Stadium once stood as the game-day home of the Vikings from 1961-81.
A variety of events, including a family friendly festival, Q&A opportunities with Vikings Legends and autograph sessions are scheduled at the Mall of America's Rotunda and Northeast Court from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A traveling exhibit from the Vikings Museum will be on display, and KFAN 100.3-FM will broadcast live from noon to 2 p.m. and feature a trivia contest.
1969 Vikings Chalk Talk
Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center will host a Chalk Talk event that features members of the 1969 Vikings on Saturday evening. The Chalk Talk will include a cocktail reception and panel discussion. Limited tickets are available here.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Fantennial Weekend will conclude Sunday when the Vikings host the Oakland Raiders.
Members of the 1969 team will be recognized at halftime and joined by dozens of other Vikings Legends.
