Saying a final goodbye to the dome and the 2013 season

It has been an emotional couple of past weeks for me with all the Metrodome and Vikings news going on. It has been opposite ends of the spectrum in emotions.

I look back at the season that was and think that the Vikings were 151 seconds from having 5 more wins. It is too late but still makes a fan the what ifs.

The last game on Sunday December 29th was so emotional for me knowing it was the last sporting event I will ever see in this facility. I left the stadium but not without seeing one final thing. You may ask what was it I wanted to see. I answer; I went back to the Gate to watch fans get sucked out of the dome for the final time. The hair blowing, the hats flying and people just generally trying to get out without knocking each other down was what would be my last memory of the Metrodome.

Wednesday January 8^th was the next step to saying goodbye to the dome as I made the trip to the dome and picked up the four seats I had bought. I had season tickets for 13 years but my seats were not always the same so I opted to buy 4 random seats.

I turned off the street right outside the dome and made my way down a ramp to enter the Metrodome. I came upon a garage door that was closed. I sat patiently, then watched it go up and now could enter the final stretch which was entering the field and drive on the dome floor. The turf had already been rolled up and was put off to the side so vehicles could park and not wreck anything. It was an absolute sight as I got out of my car and looked at the emptiness. I noticed no scoreboard on ether end and seemingly thousands of seats already pulled. It was an unbelievable sight looking at all the blue seats organized and ready to be picked up. We loaded 4 into the back of my SUV and then walked around taking pictures. I got to sit on one section of rolled up turf that was said to be valued at 30,000 each is what a worked had told me. I was in heaven knowing I am taking seats back home. It was an emotional test knowing this would be the last time I would ever get to be in the dome I have attended the last 32 years watching the Twins and Vikings and now it is over.

Friday January 17^th the Vikings announce Mike Zimmer as head coach. I for one am truly excited to see what kind of toughness he can bring the squad. This upcoming 2014 season might just go down as one of the most anticipated seasons we will be part of.

The decisions that must come for 17 free agents will be intriguing. I just feel in my heart that the Wilf’s have brought in a man who will take charge. My hope is this team can finish games. The offense of 2013 even though we went through a quarterback carousel still seemed to be able to score plenty. I can’t wait for late July for the start of training camp.

Saturday January 18^th I got up early and watched the live stream of the final deflation of the dome. It was strange watching and knowing it is really over. There will never be a chance to go in there for anything. I drove up to Minneapolis Saturday afternoon to witness in person. It is a weird feeling looking up and not see the words Mall of America Field on the roof. I now saw snow drifts on the edge of where the roof was earlier in the morning.

I was on my way home from the dome when I found out Norv Turner was hired as offensive coordinator. I give the organization an A+ for the hiring of Zimmer and Turner.

As I said in the beginning so many emotions flowing with the closing of an old stadium and now a new coach that I feel will bring success.

Football in 2014 can’t come soon enough. Go Vikes!!!!!

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Lions game review- A great way to close MOA Field

Sunday December 29^th will go down as a day I will never forget. The Vikings and the Lions both out of the playoff race and no AP or Calvin Johnson so how will these teams perform?

The game, the fans were everything a guy like me wanted to see. A game with no meaning other than players playing out the season was very entertaining.

Cordarrelle Patterson is showing Minnesota Vikings fans just why they traded to get back up in the first round. It seems every time he touches the ball I just expect a touchdown. You have to be happy for a guy like this who got very little playing time to start the season and now look at who he finished.

I give praise to Marcus Sherels, who in my mind just might be the best punt returner or 2^nd to Devin Hester. I saw him catch that punt and thought if he could hit the crease I saw from the upper deck he would be gone. It was dang close but what an effort and what speed. He needs to be on the 2014 roster for sure.

The play of Matt Asiata on Sunday needs kudos. A guy who is third string and filling in for the top two and what does he do? He goes for 115 yards against a very physical team in the Detroit Lions.

The play of the defense on Sunday needs to be praised. They have been ripped by media and fans for the majority of the season and then Sunday only give up 13. Yes, I know no Calvin Johnson but I will praise the effort anyways. The touchdown by Reggie Bush was the only embarrassment I felt on Sunday. The defensive line had great pressure on Matthew Stafford all day lead by Jared Allen.

The game ending kneel down by Cassel was a great way to close the dome history. The team held a closing ceremony 9 minutes after the game.  The team had Matt Birk, Robert Smith, Adrian Peterson and Vikings great head coach, Bud Grant all speak. The speeches came to an end then fireworks went off in both end zones and then the dome lights went out. The party is officially over!!!

32 years of awesome wins and heartbreaking losses is over. I went and watched people get blown out of the dome as they excited for my final memory.

It is time to move on to TCF Bank Stadium. A day like today with the temps at or below 0 make me wonder just how fun will it be to be freezing. My next thought it is the Vikings so I don’t care how cold because I will be watching the team I love.

Have a safe and Happy New Year

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Game info and numbers in helping you get ready for the Lions

The 2013 season started out with week 1 in Detroit and now in Week 17 on Sunday December 29^th the Vikes will play host to the Lions to conclude the season. It will also end Mall of America Field history. The game will be the Vikings 250^th regular season game plus 10 playoff home games making a grand total of 260 played in the dome. The Vikes are 167-92 at home.

Game info

Game time: noon on Fox

TV announcers: Gus Johnson and Charles Davis with Charissa Thompson on the sidelines

Las Vegas odds: Minnesota by 3.5

Pregame

Vikings will honor Matt Birk in pregame as well as Matt will be an honorary captain for the coin toss.

Former Vikings Great Coach, Bud Grant will blow the Gjallarhorn

VIKINGS-LIONS ALL TIME SERIES

Minnesota leads 68-34-2 all time. Minnesota is 37-13-1 at home overall between the Old Met and Mall of America Field. They are 23-7 against the Lions at the dome including winning 14 of the last 15 at home.

This will be the 6^th time in the series where the 2 teams faced each other to conclude the season. The Vikings have a 3-2 edge.

The Vikings are 3-3 at home this season so a win would give the Vikings a 22^nd season of winning home football since 1982.

CORDARRELLE PATTERSON INFO

Patterson needs 4 yards to break the all-time rookie record held by Buster Rhymes. Patterson is also averaging 33.6 yards per return which is the 2^nd highest average since the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL. Is that impressive or what?

OVERALL

It’s been a frustrating season to say the least but let’s make this week something we will never forget. A win in the last game at Mall of America Field would be what the doctor ordered. We can worry about 2014 after that. I just want to leave the dome with a smile. A win would be 4 in a row at home after losing the first 3. I feel good about this Sunday and know my favorite team will play their butts off and give the fans something to remember.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Memories at Mall of America Field

 

Sunday December 29^th, 2013 is coming fast and with that thought it is become more and more emotional for me as I get ready to say goodbye knowing I have had so many memories in this great building.

The stadium opened April 3, 1982. I was not in attendance for that but do have a few Twins memories to pass on.

TWINS MEMORIES

I did see every American League team except two which were the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.

I also remember sitting out in lower level field where there was plexus glass that extended the fence for home runs. I can remember sitting out there and seeing the ball hit the plexus glass and taking crazy bounces.

1-May 4, 1984 I was in attendance at the Twins-A’s baseball game and got to witness one of the more bizarre baseball happenings. A’s slugger, Dave Kingman hit a ball so high I remember my friend and I trying to find the ball in the ceiling for no avail. The ball went into the hole in the roof and never came down. The ruling was a ground rule double for Kingman.

2-I attended the home run derby in 1985 in which I paid a donation fee of 2.00 and sat in the upper deck behind home plate. Pirate’s slugger, Dave Parker won the event with 6 followed by Twins, Tom Brunansky and 4 other players tying for 2^nd with 4 home runs. I still have my all-star pin from that event.

3-The year 2009 I was at the dome 7 straight weekends

8/21 Vikes-Chiefs   8/25 Twins-Orioles   8/29  Twins vs Rangers  9/04 Vikes-Cowboys  9/11 Twins vs A’s   9-17 Twins vs Tigers   9/27 Vikes-49ers  10/04 Twins-Royals  10/05 Vikes-Packers and 10/06 Twins vs Tigers

The 10/04 vs the Royals was supposed to be the last game ever at the dome but with a win the Twins forced a game 163 with the Tigers, Game # 163, which I attended as well. I got a certificate at the Royals game stating it was the last game at the dome for baseball.

The Vikings 9/27 game with the 49ers was the Brett Favre to Greg Lewis connection that shocked the world.

The 10/05 Vikes-Packers game was the Monday night game where Brett Favre played for the purple and beat the Packers in a game in which I believe the dome had never been so loud. It was a record set by Favre that I don’t know will ever be broke again. The victory over Green Bay meant Favre had beaten all 32 teams.

VIKINGS MEMORIES

I have been a Vikings season ticket holder for 13 seasons. I did attend a few games through 5 seasons before I got my season tickets.

I have attended 15 Vikings-Packers games in which the Vikes went 7-8 in those games.

1-January 17,1999, yes I was at the Vikings-Falcons NFC title game where I was standing there chanting Super Bowl, Super Bowl… watching Gary Anderson line up for the clincher. I will never forget watching the ref wave his arms with a no good motion. The shock and then watching Falcons’ coach Dan Reeves and the Falcons doing the dirty bird on the dome stage.

2-Sun Nov 30,2000 Vikes-Lions game  Cris Carter catches 4 yard touchdown vs the Lions which was Cris’s 1000^th career catch.

3-Sun Sep 30, 2007- Vikings-Packers game   Brett Favre throws his NFL record 421^st touchdown to Greg Jennings. I do not like the Packers but must admit I stood up and clapped for Favre knowing it was NFL history.

4-Sun Nov. 7, 2007- The Vikes- Chargers games where Adrian ran for 296 yards and watched another NFL record fall as Charger’s Cromartie take a missed Vikings field goal and run it back 109 yards right at halftime.

5-Mon Nov 30, 2008- Vikings quarterback, Gus Frerotte launches a bomb from the 1 to Bernard Berrian for a 99 yard touchdown.

6-2009- 2011 I did a blog for my local paper from a fan perspective. I was not paid rather my payment was a media pass to sit in the press box and then conduct player interviews. I did this 2 times a season since I was still a season ticket holder. It was the dream you cannot make up.

7- Wed April 13, 2011 I took a tour of the dome after the roof collapsed. I like my head shook the whole time in disbelief. I remember standing in the press box and looking out the roof and seeing the Minneapolis skyscrapers. The tour was 4.00 and at the end I received a 3x3 square of the dome roof as a keepsake. It was a day never to forget. I saw water all over the field and plywood on the floor wondering if the dome would ever be the same.

8-Sun Jan 1, 2012- Vikes- Bears game  Jared Allen gets 3 sacks which help him into the Vikings sack record by posing Chris Doleman’s 21. Allen is now 2^nd in NFL history behind Michael Strahan.

9-Sun Jan 1, 2012- Vikes-Bears game    The game had ended and I watched Jim Kleinsasser run off the field for the very last time as he retired after 13 seasons all with the Purple.

I have attended 139 Vikings game through my dome life years. I have witnessed 99 wins. I know when the Vikings beat Detroit on Sunday it will be the 100^th victory I will have seen. That would be a sweet mark for me to always remember.

I have seen every NFL team at least once with the Houston Texans being the last team I had not seen. The first team I ever saw was in 1996 with the Vikings playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I have saved every game ticket writing on the back of each one the score of the game. It is so fun to look back through the years at the tickets and I also have a game program from each game as well.

I for one will miss the dome but must admit I am excited for the future. I thank the Hubert H. Humphrey dome later known as the Mall of America Field for all the memories I will never forget. I have seen my share of losses but never for once thought it was a waist of my money. I am a fan until the day I die, win or lose.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

 

Bengals game in review: Turnovers and mental mistakes prove costly

I was shocked earlier in the week when I read the Bengals put in for an extension to get more time to sell the game out vs the Vikings. The Bengals have a chance to clinch a playoff spot and potentially lock up their division all in one day. This might be one of the stranger storylines in the NFL to me after watching how the Bengals easily destroyed my beloved purple team.

The opening kickoff was a true surprise as the Bengals actually were brave enough to kick to Cordarrelle Patterson. The potential rookie candidate of the year almost made them pay. I thought what a great way to start a game on the road with a great return and great field position.

The swing of emotions did not take long as Cincinnati strips Cassel and run it all the way back to the 4. It seems this sums up the Vikings season. We have so much hope and within seconds it is all gone. As a fan I did appreciate the hustle by Toby Gerhart to run the defender down. Yes, the Bengals scored 2 plays later but still to see a player not give up was appreciated.

The swing of emotion for Vikings fans early as the team goes down 7-0 on the road come back to make a great play. We find Matt Cassel rolling out right and find a wide open Jarius Wright for a touchdown. I loved the play but even a nicer touch as we see Wright go to the crowd and give the ball to a Vikings fan in the front row.

The play of Fred Evans Sunday was unbelievable. I can understand a little being offsides but to have 3 in one day is unexplainable and 2 of those in the same drive.

The announcer’s team of Dick Stockton and Ronde Barber had just as bad of a day as Evans. I could not believe how many mistakes especially Stockton made calling out players. In the game early we see Audie Cole go down yet Stockton tells fans on TV that Everson Griffen is down. Oops !!! We see Vikings punter, Jeff Locke lined up to punt and Stockton calls out a different players name other than Locke. Oops. The Bengals line up in the Wildcat offense with Mohamed Sanu (#12) lined up as quarterback with Dalton out wide. Stockton announces Dalton gets the ball. Oops, wrong player again. In the 2^nd half Bengals offensive lineman, Andre Smith is down in agony while we have Stockton call out it was Andrew Whitworth. Oops, Stockton misses again. I don’t know what was worse today with Stockton’s guesses or the Vikings offensive 3^rd down efficiency.

The Vikings got beat down pretty easily on Sunday but I can’t help but be frustrated by another blown call by the refs. I refer to Jerome Simpson in double coverage getting clearly pushed down by the Bengals defender. It hurts even worse when I hear TV announce, former defensive back, Ronde Barber even make a comment that it should have been interference. This play would not have helped the Vikes win yet it would be nice to get some help once in a while.

The halftime might have been the best part of the day today. I absolutely loved the little bit that was shown with tiny monkeys riding on the back of dogs and herding sheep. If that did not make you laugh I do not know what would.

I am a fan who who would rather see if the Vikes were to loose I would rather see a game like today. Those losses with less than a minute left are so hard to take. A game like today was over early. It was just a matter of the final.

The player of the day today without a doubt was Cordarrelle Patterson. The return ability he offers makes me totally forget Percy who? The smile on his face is so nice to see. The touchdown run out of the backfield for 35 yards was awesome. He too made a great gesture like Wright as Patterson went to the stands and gave the ball to a Vikings fan in the front row. I am so excited to know we are going to have him in purple for a few years.

The game plan today was simple by Cincinnati as far as the passing game went. It goes like this, when Chris Cook is in there we will throw it at him. Cook gave up 2 touchdowns today and there were not real pretty in his coverage effort. It is truly frustrating to watch a guy get burned over and over.

One more example of the season not meant to be is like this: The Vikings have a 4^th and 3 and Cassel completes the ball to Jennings for a first down. One problem and that was Cincinnati had called timeout before the ball was snapped. The next try the Vikes fail and it is first down Cincinnati going the other way.

The 2013 road part of the schedule ended Sunday with the loss to Cincinnati leaving Minnesota with a 0-7-1 record. This is the 3^rd time in team history where the Vikes did not win one road game.

I have never seen a season like this with so much hope and so many games that were within reach of a win. I love this team to death but will be ready to go to the dome next Sunday and watch the team close the book on the season.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

Facts and figures in helping you get ready for the last road game of 2013

The Minnesota Vikings (4-9-1) travel to Cincinnati (9-5) and take on the 1^st place AFC North Bengals Sunday December 22^nd. The Vikings are 0-6-1 on the road while the Bengals are a perfect 6-0 at home so far this season.

Game Info

Game time: Noon on Fox

Announcers: Dick Stockton and Ronde Barber

Referee- Terry McAuley

Las Vegas Odds: Cincinnati by 7.5

VIKINGS-BENGALS ALL TIME SERIES

Minnesota leads series 6-5 but is an all-time 1-5 in Cincinnati. The last time these 2 teams met was in 2009 in Minnesota with the Vikings winning 30-10.

MINNESOTA VS CINCINNATI DEFENSE

Minnesota is coming off a game scoring 48 points vs the Eagles last week at Mall of America Field. The 48 points is the most the Vikings have scored at home since 1998 when the team put up 50 on Jacksonville.

The Bengals have the 6^th rated defense in points allowed giving up only 19.6 per game. The Bengals are also 6^th overall in yards given up per game with 318.3. They are 5^th vs the run and 7^th vs the pass.

MATT CASSEL INFO

Did you know that in the last 3 weeks that Matt Cassel has thrown for the 3^rd most yards behind Peyton Manning and Tom Brady?

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS HAVE A CHANCE

Brian Robison and Jared Allen come into Sunday’s game with 9 sacks each. The Vikings have not had multiple players with double digit sacks since 2003 when Lance Johnstone had 10 and Kevin Williams added 10.5

 

DATES OF HISTORY IN THE VIKINGS ORGANIZATION

December 20, 1981- Vikings played last game in Metropolitan Stadium as they hosted the Kansas City Chiefs. The Vikings lost that game 10-6.

January 28, 1985- The old Met was demolished

Sunday December 29^th- The Vikings will play the last game ever at Mall of America Field when they host the Detroit Lions.

2014 VIKINGS SCHEDULE

Home- Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, Washington, New England, New York Jets, Carolina and Atlanta

Away- Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Miami, Buffalo and St.Louis

HOME SCHEDULE THOUGHTS

The first year at TCF Bank Stadium and look at the list of the quarterbacks that the Vikings defense will face: Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, RG II, Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan. I would add Jay Cutler but we don’t know if the Bears will bring him back. As a Vikings fan I must say to see 7 of the best quarterbacks come to Minnesota will be a true treat.

2014 NFL DRAFT

The win last week over Philadelphia and with all the other team wins and losses I can give one fact. The Minnesota Vikings are assured a top 14 pick in the 2014 draft and if could change higher of course depending on what happens in the last 2 weeks of the season.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

Eagles game in review- Offense sparkles

The Vikings hosted the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at noon. The Vikes are out of the playoffs while the Eagles are fighting for the NFC East title. The question is who will want the game worse?

The pregame started with one of the best renditions of the National Anthem I Have ever heard. The singer was former Vikings defensive lineman, Esera Tuaola. I don’t believe I have heard fans talk right after just how good it was.

The Gjlarhorn was blown by former Vikings quarterback, Daunte Culpepper. It was so neat to see him once again in the dome. I did think it was unusual that he did not have his old jersey on. He instead was dressed sharp in a suit and tie.

The defensive players were introduced on Sunday. It is hard to believe it has come down to the secondary starters as Marcus Sherels and Shaun Prater as the cornerbacks and Andrew Sendejo and Jamarca Sanford were the safeties. I know the Eagles are a high power offense so I could only hope this make shift secondary could play big,

No Adrian or Toby Gerhart so Matt Asiata gets the call to start in the backfield. I loved the effort Matt gave with 30 carries for 51 yards. The yardage was not great but when it counted Matt took advantage and scored his first 3 touchdowns of his career.

The play of Matt Cassel cannot go without saying I thought he played a brilliant game on Sunday. Yes, he had an interception but other than that he was right on target. The connection he had with Greg Jennings was so fun to watch. I found out after the game that the 11 catches Greg had was a career high.

The Philadelphia Eagles had gone 9 games in a row without giving up over 21 points. What do the Vikings do? They lay 48 on this potential playoff team.

I loved the tackling effort on Eagles running back, LeSean McCoy. He ended up with 38 yards on the ground.

Eagles quarterback, Nock Foles had a ton of pressure put on him by two Vikes in particular and they were Brian Robison and Jared Allen. These 2 had 2 sacks each on Sunday. Foles had over 400 yards but most of them I believe came as the result of them trying to keep with the Vikings scoring machine. I watched the young Vikings secondary keep everything in front of them. Eagle’s receiver, DeSean Jackson was the soreness in the Vikings side as he made some of the Vikings tacklers look rather silly.

I would like to mention the halftime show which was the All- Metrodome team being introduced. There are 27 players who made the list. There were six not in attendance and they were Robert Smith, Randy Moss, Cris Carter, Percy Harvin, Antoine Winfield and Coach Dennis Green. It was one ovation after another except for 2. The boo birds came out when Harvin and Coach Green’s name were called out. It was still a true thrill to see the guys from the past and with each I have a ton of memories.

This Vikings team has the terrible record which is a fact. The frustrating thing about that is the offense is continually putting up big numbers on the scoreboard. It is just another strange fact about the 2013 season.

The Vikings had lost the first 3 in a row at home this season and now have won the last 3 including Sundays win over the Eagles.

I sit in my seat knowing the stadium is coming to an end. It is truly sad as I have so many memories through the years. The Lions game will be an emotional day for me. Yes, I am excited for the new stadium but I can still have thoughts running through my head of just how much I will miss the stadium. I guess new memories are waiting around the corner for me.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick