The Vikings were recently honored for two fan experience elements implemented during the inaugural season at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings SKOL Chant and the **Vikings Voyage** were recognized by the **Clio Awards**, an esteemed international awards competition for the creative business.
According to Clios.com, the awards were "Founded in 1959 to celebrate high achievement in advertising." The Clios "annually and throughout the year recognize the work, the agencies and the talent that push boundaries and establish new precedent."
The Vikings SKOL Chant was a gold winner in the Clio Sports category.
The new tradition for fans – inspired by the "Vikings War Chant" in Iceland – **made its debut** in the 2016 Vikings home opener against the Packers, and it quickly caught on and became a recurring phenomenon at the remaining home games, fan events and more.
Vikings Vice President of Content and Production Bryan Harper enlisted the help of Aron Gunnarsson, the captain of the Icelandic Soccer Team, and Thor Bjornsson, who stars as "The Mountain" in Game of Thrones, to help transfer the chant to Vikings fans.
Harper said it was exciting to see the SKOL Chant resonate so quickly with Vikings fans, and it is rewarding to receive a Clio Award.
"It's an honor to be awarded a Gold Clio for the Skol Chant, but the honor truly goes to Vikings fans as they are who really engaged in this experience," Harper said. "I look forward to seeing it grow in 2017!"
Other gold winners included the Toronto Maple Leafs season ticket package; the Nike Unlimited Stadium, located in the Philippines; and Gatorade's Elena Delle Donne short film "For the Wind," among numerous others.
On Friday the Vikings unveiled the "Vikings Voyage" at U.S. Bank Stadium, an interactive space for fans.
The Vikings Voyage, a 10,000-square foot interactive space located above the Vikings Locker Room Team Store at U.S. Bank Stadium, also was a hit throughout its first year. The experience allows fans to learn the history of the team through team memorabilia, infographics and interactive displays and videos.
The Vikings Voyage was awarded a bronze Clio.
"Our goal was to create a space that really honored Vikings fans and celebrated the incredible passion and dedication to the Vikings in the North," said Erin Swartz, Vikings Director of Brand & Creative. "We've heard from fans how meaningful this space is to them, and to be recognized with such a prestigious award as a Clio is icing on the cake."
