Mall of America Field: The Home of the Vikings . . . for now

Official Review by Kevin Lindsey, Stadium Journey Correspondent

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If a stadium had feelings, the Mall of America Field would be confused and suffering from an inferiority complex.

Confused as there is signage on the stadium that says Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome despite the fact the stadium is now officially named The Mall of America Field. While the Vikings are the only professional sports team to play in the dome, the home of the Minnesota Twins is etched into the building.

If things weren’t bad enough for the poor Mall of America Field, it appears that is sole tenant is not very happy. The Minnesota Vikings are currently negotiating with several municipalities to secure a site for a new football stadium.

While Mall of America Field may feel uncertain about its long term future at least it can enjoy being the home of the NFC North Division Champion Minnesota Vikings and host to playoff football.

Food & Beverage   4/5

There is nothing special about the food at the dome. There is pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Peanuts, popcorn and nachos with the cheese and jalapeno peppers on the side are also available. Nothing is outstanding about the traditional stadium food but nothing is so poor that you regret your choice. The best choice of meals in the stadium hands down is the barbecue pork sandwiches at Famous Dave’s BBQ shop. Expect to pay $5 to $10.

When you are ready to wash down your food your choices primarily are Coke products and Miller products. If you want to try a local beer you can partake of the two or three beer choices from the local Summit Brewery. Again, expect to pay $5 to $10 depending on your choice beverage and if you wish to take home a souvenir cup.

Atmosphere   4/5

Before the game begins, the Vikings welcome everyone by having a famous guest sound off the Viking horn. The rumored famous guest for the Vikings playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys is local hometown hero, Minnesota Twins and American League Most Valuable Player, Joe Mauer.

On the field, you can spot the Vikings mascot Rangar. Rangar, the bearded long haired Viking, can be seen patrolling the field on his motorcycle and interacting with fans in the stands. Rangar also doubles as Adrian Peterson’s gate-keeper on ESPN commercials.

When the Vikings score, the horn sounds and the crowd is treated to the song “Skol Vikings.” As the crowd is urged to tell the Vikings to Fight! Fight! Fight!; the cheerleaders race around the field carrying flags that spell out V-I-K-I-N-G-S.

Neighborhood   4/5

If you are looking to go somewhere quick for a cold beer and a large helping of traditional bar food then the choice is Huberts Bar & Grill, 601 Chicago Avenue South, across from the dome; Grumpy’s at 11th and S. Washington Avenue; or Kiernan’s Irish Pub at the corner of 4th Street and 2nd Avenue.

There are many post game food options within minutes of the stadium. Three restaurants that are moderately priced and that likely have something for everyone in your group are Zeke (Japanese), M/S grill and Ike’s which are located on 6th Street between Hennepin and Nicollet.

If the post game meal is just as important as the game – steak lovers should check out Murray’s Steakhouse or Morton’s while seafood lovers need to get to Oceanaire. A taxi cab ride from the stadium will get you where you want to go for $8 to $12.

If you want to experience the night life of downtown Minneapolis, take the 5 minute light rail ride to Hennepin Avenue from the Stadium. Celebrities and athletes are likely to be found at Bella Notte or if you want to go old school you can check out First Avenue.

Fans   4/5

Minnesotans have a reputation for being stoic and reserved. However, Vikings fans are among the most passionate fans in the NFL. Of course, what goes on inside the dome during Vikings stays inside the dome. Inside the dome, one sees a multitude of adults were Viking helmets with blond wig braid extensions while wearing jerseys with the name of Favre, Peterson or Allen.

When the crowd needs to bring the noise to help the defense, the fans can rival most airport runways and they are usually good for creating at least one illegal procedure penalty for the opponents a game. While there is good natured one-liners and barbs exchanged with fans who are wearing the wrong color uniforms (especially green and gold), the fans are good at ensuring that nothing crosses the line.

Access   4/5

Parking within three blocks around the stadium can be expensive. The price for parking drops substantially if you are willing to walk more than four blocks. Many fans take light rail to the game for less than $2. Out of town fans staying near the airport should plan on their light rail ride to the game taking twenty minutes.

The lines for getting into the game move quickly; the lines for the bathroom are another story as they can be long at times especially for female fans.

Return on Investment   4/5

The cost of Vikings tickets fall in the middle of the price range of tickets for NFL teams if you are able to get tickets at face value. Now that Brett Favre has come to town, tickets are more difficult to obtain and purchasing single game tickets should be done well in advance. If you need to pick up your tickets from your local friend on the street you can expect to pay a decent premium on the tickets.

Extras   4/5

The fans are fun and enthusiastic but not overboard. You have light rail to get you to the game and to your post game party.

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