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WeatherManNX01
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Friday Apr 28 2006, 11:52 AM
Post #1
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The Yanks are coming!
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From vikings.com:
- Quote:
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Author: Mike Wobschall
In what has been an off-season full of change, the Vikings introduced yet another on Thursday night. In front of a large contingent of Vikings fans at the Mall of America, the team unveiled their new uniforms which will debut in 2006. The mall's rotunda was the site, as fans adorned in purple and gold displayed their support for the team. A large seating area with roughly 150 chairs was completely filled, and fans layered two and three rows deep lined all three levels overlooking the rotunda. Passionate fans from all over the state showed up to witness the introduction of a new look for the Purple.
The event was emceed by KFAN-1130 talk show host and voice of the Minnesota Vikings, Paul Allen. He was enthusiastic and continually prompted vigorous applause and cheering from the capacity crowd.
"Doing a radio show that focuses on the Vikings pretty much year round, [I noticed] the build-up for this has really surprised me," Allen said as hundreds of fans filed in and claimed their spots above the rotunda. "I'm not from around here and I moved here in 1998. And I know how important the Vikings are to tens of thousands of fans all across the Midwest. It really surprised me how into it [the unveiling] people are. It goes to show the loyalty that these fans have for their football team. The attention has been incredible."
After opening the festivities, Allen introduced Vikings Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Steve LaCroix, to the crowd. He spoke about the process of finding the right mixture of "tradition and modernity." He also commented on the large crowd, saying the passion the fans exerted was staggering.
Following LaCroix's appearance, first-year Head Coach Brad Childress addressed the crowd and expressed appreciation to the fans for supporting the team and the event.
"Working in this league I've always had an appreciation for the passionate fans that the Vikings have," Childress commented to the Vikings faithful in attendance.
A short video documenting the history of the team's uniforms was then shown as Allen introduced former Viking greats. The video was a cross-section of some of the franchise's greatest players from their greatest seasons. Tommy Mason (#20), Jim Marshall (#77), Paul Krause (#22), Joey Browner (#47) and Randall McDaniel (#64) were decked out in replica jerseys coinciding with their era.
Finally, current Vikings appeared, dawning the new uniforms for the first time. Three uniforms were on display - home, road and alternate jerseys. The home jerseys, showcased by Matt Birk, Pat Williams and Troy Williamson, consisted of purple tops with white bottoms -- the traditional color combination fans are accustomed to seeing. However, the design of the jersey is slightly different, as a white stripe streaks down either sides of the tops. The jerseys feature white lettering and numbering with gold trim. The road jerseys, modeled by Pat Williams and Jermaine Wiggins, consist of the traditional white tops, but brand new purple pants. There is a purple stripe down the sides of the tops, and the jerseys feature purple lettering and numbering with gold trim. Additionally, an alternate jersey was introduced, modeled by Mewelde Moore and Jim Kleinsasser. The new-edition jerseys had white tops and pants, with a purple stripe down each side and purple lettering and numbering with gold trim.
Many speculated that the change in style would not be easily accepted by loyal and traditional fans. However, Allen offered a different opinion.
"The traditionalists don't like to see any change, but I think when some people see the uniforms they'll get used to them and like them."
The fans in attendance seemed to follow the emcee's train of thought.
"I love them. Purple pants on the road, anything to change our road record," avid Vikings enthusiast Larry Spooner of Plymouth joked.
"This is Vikings country," he said of the large crowd in attendance. "Like coach Childress said, we're inside a mall on a beautiful day like this, fighting rush hour to get here. This is Vikings country."
The new uniforms were big hits among even the youngest fans present. Erica and Carter Wierzbinski of Lino Lakes, standing on the main floor with their father Don, enjoyed the ceremonies. "I like the purple ones," Carter commented.
Even the traditionalists among the fans approved of the new look.
"I thought the ceremony was exciting and the turnout was great," Dorette of St. Paul said. "I'm just really glad they kept the horns on the helmet."
After the ceremony, players were made available for autographs. Birk, in a witty exchange with a reporter, joked that he wishes they would put real horns on the helmets. Each of the other players showcasing the jerseys took time to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
Additionally, present and past players were signing autographs and jerseys at the Vikings Lockerroom store and other selected retailers in the mall. Those stores are exclusively selling the new jerseys for 72 hours. The jerseys can also be purchased on Vikings.com.
Fans, in a rush to buy the jerseys online, overloaded the team's website for a brief time - a sign that fans all over Vikings nation were impressed with the new style. Hmm...I haven't seen a good shot of them yet, but they appear to be very similar to the Patriots' uniforms.
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