Purple PSA: 3 Rules for Being a Top-Tier Vikings Fan at U.S. Bank Stadium
At long last, Vikings fans will be able to crowd into U.S. Bank Stadium for some real football.
The team itself is looking forward to the contest. On Wednesday, Kevin O’Connell spoke about being “very excited to get a chance to open up again at U.S. Bank Stadium.” The head coach goes on to offer the mandatory praise for his upcoming opponent — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — while noting that the defense is working on “non-verbal communication and that’s just fine by me; we’ll be expecting that place to be rocking on Sunday.”
So, the coach welcomes the noise, meaning Vikings fans should respond accordingly. Brian Flores further underscored what O’Connell had to say, suggesting in his press conference that he’s looking forward to playing within a really loud stadium. Beat writers have taken notice, such as Alec Lewis who draws attention to Kirk Cousins discussing the loudness of the home stadium.
Heck, even Viktor is doing his best to hype the game and the excitement that will be present:
Below, you’ll find a humble attempt to gather three rules for being a top-tier Vikings fan as Minnesota prepares to begin their season 1-0. By no means an exhaustive list, the trio of items represent an effort to offer at least a bit of guidance for how to conduct yourself if you’re fortunate enough to attend in person.
Being a Top-Tier Vikings Fan: 3 Rules for U.S. Bank Stadium
Rule #1 — Be Loud…But at the Right Time
Part of what makes football unique is that the fans themselves can impact a game.
When Baker Mayfield is on the field, Vikings fans should be making it very difficult for him to communicate with his teammates. Doing so leads to another hurdle for the offense, an outcome that’s positive for the Minnesota defense.
The stadium itself will be offering prompts for when to get loud, so being able to discern when to offer your voice to the chorus shouldn’t be altogether difficult. Generally speaking, a critical 3rd down play can be a great time to make some noise. And, of course, we think of the skol chant: thump, thump, clap! Joining in on that chant can be a lot of fun for fans.
Now, when Kirk Cousins is on the field Vikings fans should adjust their approach. Give Minnesota’s QB1 the calm and tranquility he needs to communicate freely with his pals. O’Connell trusts his brainy quarterback to decode a lot of information before the ball is snapped. Fans, in turn, need to allow Mr. Cousins to relay what he has learned to his teammates by ensuring they keep their noise holstered.
Rule #2 — Feel Free to Leave Your Seat, But Wait for a True Stoppage in the Game
Tickets to a professional game can be expensive. Do your best to ensure it’s a positive experience for those around you (even if someone has the wrong jersey on).
An NFL game has a pile of built-in stoppages. The seemingly non-stop TV commercials means that there’s all kinds of opportunity to get up without being overly disruptive.
The word of wisdom, then, is to do your utmost to ensure you’re not getting in someone’s way. Unless there’s an emergency, do not get up and block someone’s view while the action is taking place. Trying to rush in between snaps while the game is taking place is also something to avoid.
After all, what happens between the plays is actually part of the sport. A lot of people enjoy seeing the personnel packages and some of the initial movements before the center gets rid of the football. Be courteous to your fellow Vikings fans by leaving and returning to your seat when there’s nothing happening on the field.
If, however, there’s a time when the crowd collectively stands to cheer on the Vikings, then by all means join in the fun. The point is simply to be courteous to your neighbor.
Rule #3 — Don’t Forget You’re Cheering on Human Beings Playing a Game
Football matters. Quite a bit, in fact.
Does that mean fans can take leave of their senses as they hurl any kind of foul insult at coach, player, and/or game official? By no means. Don’t be that fan.
Folks, we’ve all heard the horror stories. Do not be that person.
Kirk Cousins may make a truly idiotic pass on Sunday. If that occurs, fans can be upset, but don’t make it personal. The same rule applies for horrible officiating and coaching blunders. Don’t be the fan who crosses the line with verbal abuse or by throwing stuff.
Moreover, let’s ensure Vikings fans aren’t known as ones who treat opposing fans terribly. Instead, be known as welcoming and cordial as the Purple & Gold go on to thump their favorite team.
The game begins on Sunday, September 10th at 12 p.m. CDT. Enjoy, be safe, and keep swinging by PurplePTSD for all of your Vikings coverage needs.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full-time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.