[Writing Sample from Advanced Writing in the Arts & Humanities Course at USC]
The Minnesota Vikings faced the Seattle Seahawks in the wildcard playoff round of the 2015 National Football League (NFL) season on January 10th. Headlines around the country heralded their matchup as the third coldest game in NFL history with a kick off temperature of -6 degrees Fahrenheit — an event not likely to occur again on Minnesota’s home turf. Over the past two seasons, the Minnesota Vikings have fought hard battles in the open-air TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota. This temporary home served the franchise while completion of a new $1.08 billion stadium in downtown Minneapolis was being constructed for it’s August 2016 Grand Opening.
On January 10th, I was one of the 52,525 lucky (and frozen) fans to attend the final outdoor crusade, and I spent time with fellow purple fanatics questioning: Did the Vikings’ time at TCF Bank Stadium serve us well?
Food & Beverage
Highlighting iconic Midwest favorites, the food at TCF ranges from cheese curds (deep fried cheese balls) to walleye fingers (local fish, also deep fried). The selections are a considerable step-up from the previous Vikings stadium, the Metrodome, which served a limited variety and often stale options like hot dogs, popcorn, and over-priced Coors Light. In comparison, the TCF fare features a breadth of popular Minneapolis restaurant brands, classic football staples, and an emphasis on premium beers and spirits.
The pinnacle of TCF Bank’s food and beverage service is the “Dairy Queen Club.” The DQ Club offers fans unlimited access to buffet lines of football’s favorite foods (wings, brats, chili, etc.) as well as all-you-can-drink local beers with the purchase of premium-priced, club seating. Possibly the most exciting part of the DQ endorsement however is the superabundance of ice cream available during games.
Atmosphere
There are three major components that define the atmosphere at TCF Bank: fans, tradition, and the frigid weather. Often termed “Minnesota nice,” Vikings fans are polite to opposing teams offering directions, being cordial in line, etc. Do not mistake these Midwest manners for apathy as Vikings fans are some of the most passionate in football. These skilled fans watch every down intently observing nuances of the game and letting their opinion be heard.
TCF Bank Stadium was able to keep many of the traditions from the previous stadium alive by including a firework show for each scoring drive, honoring season ticket holder’s seats, and paying homage to the Norse culture with features such as the Gjallarhorn (large Scandinavian horn). However, the most dramatic influence on the atmosphere is the weather. TCF Bank is an open-air stadium leaving players and fans subject to the elements for the first time since the Vikings’ original stadium in 1981. The outdoor environment breeds a “hardcore” persona in fans who sell out the stadium even at staggeringly cold temperatures. Conversely, the openness of the arena allows the thunderous cheering from fans to evaporate into the cold air quieting the fandom. In the former Metronome stadium, the pressurized roof captured and contained all sound making Minneapolis the loudest city in America for an NFL game.
Conclusion
For a temporary stadium, TCF Bank reminded Minnesota fans what it truly means to be from the Northland. The emphasis on playing tough through the elements and appreciating the local environment led the Vikings to accomplish their first playoff run in 7 years on the TCF field.
The Minnesota Vikings faced the Seattle Seahawks in the wildcard playoff round of the 2015 National Football League (NFL) season on January 10th. Headlines around the country heralded their matchup as the third coldest game in NFL history with a kick off temperature of -6 degrees Fahrenheit — an event not likely to occur again on Minnesota’s home turf. Over the past two seasons, the Minnesota Vikings have fought hard battles in the open-air TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota. This temporary home served the franchise while completion of a new $1.08 billion stadium in downtown Minneapolis was being constructed for it’s August 2016 Grand Opening.
On January 10th, I was one of the 52,525 lucky (and frozen) fans to attend the final outdoor crusade, and I spent time with fellow purple fanatics questioning: Did the Vikings’ time at TCF Bank Stadium serve us well?
Food & Beverage
Highlighting iconic Midwest favorites, the food at TCF ranges from cheese curds (deep fried cheese balls) to walleye fingers (local fish, also deep fried). The selections are a considerable step-up from the previous Vikings stadium, the Metrodome, which served a limited variety and often stale options like hot dogs, popcorn, and over-priced Coors Light. In comparison, the TCF fare features a breadth of popular Minneapolis restaurant brands, classic football staples, and an emphasis on premium beers and spirits.
The pinnacle of TCF Bank’s food and beverage service is the “Dairy Queen Club.” The DQ Club offers fans unlimited access to buffet lines of football’s favorite foods (wings, brats, chili, etc.) as well as all-you-can-drink local beers with the purchase of premium-priced, club seating. Possibly the most exciting part of the DQ endorsement however is the superabundance of ice cream available during games.
Atmosphere
There are three major components that define the atmosphere at TCF Bank: fans, tradition, and the frigid weather. Often termed “Minnesota nice,” Vikings fans are polite to opposing teams offering directions, being cordial in line, etc. Do not mistake these Midwest manners for apathy as Vikings fans are some of the most passionate in football. These skilled fans watch every down intently observing nuances of the game and letting their opinion be heard.
TCF Bank Stadium was able to keep many of the traditions from the previous stadium alive by including a firework show for each scoring drive, honoring season ticket holder’s seats, and paying homage to the Norse culture with features such as the Gjallarhorn (large Scandinavian horn). However, the most dramatic influence on the atmosphere is the weather. TCF Bank is an open-air stadium leaving players and fans subject to the elements for the first time since the Vikings’ original stadium in 1981. The outdoor environment breeds a “hardcore” persona in fans who sell out the stadium even at staggeringly cold temperatures. Conversely, the openness of the arena allows the thunderous cheering from fans to evaporate into the cold air quieting the fandom. In the former Metronome stadium, the pressurized roof captured and contained all sound making Minneapolis the loudest city in America for an NFL game.
Conclusion
For a temporary stadium, TCF Bank reminded Minnesota fans what it truly means to be from the Northland. The emphasis on playing tough through the elements and appreciating the local environment led the Vikings to accomplish their first playoff run in 7 years on the TCF field.