Gopher Football
The game of football was still being played, but rather than usual maroon and gold of the Gophers, the playing field was filled the home team featuring purple, gold and white as the Minnesota Vikings hosted the Chicago Bears.
Although the combined efforts of the University of Minnesota, the Vikings and the local community had the stadium completely prepared for the game, it still seemed fitting that the Minnesota weather would create some last second difficulties by dropping an estimated six inches of fresh snow on Monday afternoon.
Yet the staff working at the stadium managed to clear the snow and have the field ready to go well before kickoff. The weather cooperated as well with full force of the storm easing up just before the game.
“I have to tip my hat to the University of Minnesota,” Vikings quarterback Brett Favre said. “I thought they did a great job on short notice, especially considering how the weather was today.”
The same sentiment about the field conditions being very playable despite all the weather obstacles was shared by Minnesota interim head coach Leslie Frazier.
“I thought the conditions were fine,” Frazier said. “None of our players complained, it didn’t create any problems with footing and it seemed as though both teams performed without any problems with the field.”
Meanwhile, 40,504 fans still dared the weather and rough travel conditions to make their way down to TCF Bank Stadium and experience outdoor Vikings football, something that hadn’t happened in Minnesota in exactly 29 years to the day.
While Vikings fans showed up bundled in winter clothing wrapped from head to toe, many were still delighted to watch a home Vikings game that had the unique features that go along with outdoor Winter football.
The difference of being a fan while watching a game outdoors became evident very early on as snow became celebratory confetti following the Vikings’ score on the opening drive.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who was in attendance, spoke out before the game to show his appreciation to the University of Minnesota for playing such a crucial role in being able to have the Vikings’ final home game still be played in the Twin Cities.
“I want to thank the University of Minnesota,” Goodell said. “Thanks for the work that they have done to put this game on in full force, so we really appreciate that. Thank you on behalf of everyone in the NFL for that.”