Comments on: Vikings avoid blackouts

By: vikestwinswild1

vikestwinswild1 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:40:48 +0000

wolfcub309, I couldn’t have said it any better myself.

By: wolfcub309

wolfcub309 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:12:08 +0000

Unlike all those sorry cities that don’t have anything in there life but football, here in the Twin Cities, we have the Wild, Timberwolves, Twins and good college games to go to. All Packer fans have is the Packers. They have nothing to do besides cow tipping. The Twin Cities have tons of things to spend money on. In this economy, most people think smarter and watch the game on TV with replays, good food and the whole family. Why is it that all you haters do is complain and can never come up with a reason “your team” is better? It is funny that you would even read about the Vikings if your team is so superior.

By: Tenolein

Tenolein — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:20:25 +0000

packers4life says: November 12, 2009 3:20 PM
“That game sold out with no TV network help.”
I am pretty sure that there was an article on this site saying there was.
“The Vikings didn’t know until Sunday afternoon that they were in the playoffs and sold 75,000 tickets by Saturday afternoon in a recession”
You do realize that the whole country is in recession and not just Minnnesota, don’t you?
————————–
Uhh.. that game DID sell out with no TV help. It took expansions to the deadline, but it still sold out. Yeah, it was the playoffs.. That doesn’t negate that the majority of fans didn’t like the way the Vikings played last year, didn’t like T-Jack, and hate the Dump. Economic depression or not.
It’s ok, keep ignoring the facts. Keep bringing up the ‘pathetic’ Viking fans. It looked like they enjoyed those Lambeau seats..

By: vikestwinswild1

vikestwinswild1 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:48:02 +0000

J.Cannon, I’m a season ticket holder so I will be there. I have been to every home game (Regular Season & Playoffs) since I moved back to Minnesota in 2000.

By: J.Cannon

J.Cannon — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:40:30 +0000

Anyone gonna be at the game this weekend against Detroit? If so let me know cus Ill be there for the blow out (knock on wood).

By: brodiego

brodiego — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:49:44 +0000

If you say that Viking fans are the worst in the league, then you’ve obviously never been to the Metrodump. It is, unequivocally, the worst venue in the country to watch any sport.
They have sold out every game for 12 years, many of which were losing seasons.
And, they’re playing the Lions… yay.

By: packers4life

packers4life — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:20:12 +0000

“That game sold out with no TV network help.”
I am pretty sure that there was an article on this site saying there was.
“The Vikings didn’t know until Sunday afternoon that they were in the playoffs and sold 75,000 tickets by Saturday afternoon in a recession”
You do realize that the whole country is in recession and not just Minnnesota, don’t you?
and alot of Packer fans are at the Metrodome when the Packers play there as well.

By: sand0

sand0 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:19:39 +0000

Another thing to the Packers dealing with envy issues right now. Look at the game at Lambeau. Almost every seat in that house is season ticket holders with a waiting list. Yet you look around the stadium and there were a LOT of Vikings fans.
That means Packers season ticket holders were selling their seats, possibly up to days before the game. I’d say at least 5% of that place was purple. And obviously many of those fans were not season ticket holders but rather bought their tickets from holders that wanted the money more than the experience.
So what’s the difference between 5-20% of seats being sold the weeks leading up to the game by season ticket holders to people deciding weeks or days prior to go to the game from what we do? In the Dome I bet it is a reasonably similar number of people deciding last minute to buy tickets from season holders and from the box office if they are available.
Really the difference is trivial. In both cases you have a lot of individuals that acquire their tickets from a seller close to the start of the game. Whether that seller is a jaded fan, the team box office, or a fan looking to turn a profit the difference is irrelevant. Well, it is irrelevant as long as most all the tickets ultimately do get moved. Which in our case is 12 years running.
The difference between your team’s passion or whatever you want to call it and ours is not that flippin different. Go to the Metrodome once. Sure it is a dump but you want to talk about some loud and excited fans that is a dang good place to find them.

By: Chickenfoot

Chickenfoot — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:49:40 +0000

packers for life:
Again what part of 94% sold don’t you understand?
Even the playoff game was at or about that level.
I’m sure you have never been there. It is a horrible palce to watch a football game.
Anyway, I’m not embarassed by any of it.
Just because your grandparents ensured lambeau was sold out for years to come, doesn’t give you the right to brag.
Especially if you don’t have season tickets or even pay to go to one game.
BTW, shouldn’t you be worried about the Dallas game?
Oh yeah, you’re season is over at the 1/2 way mark.
Tampa? How do you lose to Tampa? And you are on here dissing the Vikes and their fans?
You are the only 2 time winner of the asshat of the day contest! Congrats!
You are now the favorite for asshat of the year!

By: sand0

sand0 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:47:12 +0000

packers4life,
Just give it up dude. The stadium has sold out for 12 straight years so drop the tired “just look at the playoff game last season” bs. That game sold out with no TV network help. The Vikings didn’t know until Sunday afternoon that they were in the playoffs and sold 75,000 tickets by Saturday afternoon in a recession. It is just absurd reading your post after post of junk.
TV ratings show that Vikings fans tend to watch the games more than Packers fans. Our attendance record is 12 years straight. Our jerseys sell. Our fans show up at opponents within driving distance.
I know you hate it. I understand. But you just have to deal with the fact that the Vikings are a solid franchise, with a solid team, and solid fans. Always have been. If you can’t see that by now, then you never will.

By: packers4life

packers4life — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:13:59 +0000

“Here’s a novel idea for those wondering why it is possible to not have a soldout game after going 7-1. The Vikes are playing the Lions and Seahawks. Really? ”
Even when they do play good teams, the game doesn’t sell out. Just look at the playoff game last season. and it doesn’t matter who they are playing either. That is nothing but an excuse. The whole point of a fanbase is to support your team no matter who they are playing. Plus, how do you know the Seahawks or Lions won’t give the Vikings at least a run for their money. They may be a weak team but anything can happen in the NFL and there are such things called upsets.

By: T Jack

T Jack — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:52:09 +0000

Los Angeles has proven that they cannot support a team. Here’s a novel idea for those wondering why it is possible to not have a soldout game after going 7-1. The Vikes are playing the Lions and Seahawks. Really? It probably will be like watching the Globetrotters taking on an opponent. The Bears game probably won’t even be that close and it will be the near clinching game for the NFC North. Da Bears and the Pack will both be 4-5 after this week. The only thing left will be to play for home field advantage.

By: vikestwinswild1

vikestwinswild1 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:38:22 +0000

If anybody thinks this team will sell out a 75,000 seat stadium in Los Angeles, get off the crack. Not even a strong following from the opposing team would help sell out. The Vikes will stay in Minnesota WHERE THEY BELONG!

By: sand0

sand0 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:52:00 +0000

Seriously, these desperate Packer fans just can’t get it through their padded skulls. Vikings franchise and fans are very respectable.
Both Vikings/Packers games this season had higher ratings in the Minneapolis area than in either Milwaukee or Green Bay. All of your comebacks ignore this one. I’m not saying we are “better” or you suck or anything like that. I’m just saying that you don’t have the right to call us pathetic in terms of caring about our team when we obviously like watching the game more than you.
Vikings have not had a blackout since 1997. I don’t have an official stat or anything but my guess is that streak is better than quite a few teams out there. It is annoying that our solid attendance at a crap facility in the smallest 4 team market in America is somehow something that morons get to make fun of. If anything it is something that we should get credit for. A medium sized city with 4 major sports franchises has 12 years of sellouts at a crappy facility. I’m not embarrassed about that one bit.
Vikings jerseys are and have been good sellers. Vikings get good ratings around the country and that is not just a Brett thing. Our team travels fairly well. Our consistently packed stadium is one of the loudest in the league. There was a whole lotta purple at Lambeau and St. Louis this season. We are no towel waivers, but respectable in our own rights.
Seriously, the Vikings are by no means the best franchise in football with the most passionate fans. I’m not trying to say that. But to call us “pathetic” in that regard is just retarded. It completely ignores the facts that I have presented above. We have a very respectable NFL franchise with a nice storied history. I don’t want to get into a pissing match about who’s “better” and all that crap but I’m definately happy we have the Vikings and am proud to have them represent our state in the NFL world.
What it comes down to is you guys just need to come up with better arguments to diss us with right now. Because this one ain’t a workin’. Try to come up with something a little less ignorant. Those usually work best.

By: Crazydiamond

Crazydiamond — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:21:44 +0000

Tabemaju has it right. There “could” be a blackout. There is a “possibilty” of a blackout. Then the game sells out and the Vikes “avoided” a blackout. Stupid.

By: Chickenfoot

Chickenfoot — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:24:46 +0000

For Piss sakes!!
We are talking about the dome being at 94 % capacity!
It’s not like there is 35,000 people there.
Give it a freaking rest already.
That place was a mistake from jump street.
Also, it’s not the “lack of sellouts” that is hurting Wilf, it’s the lack of luxury suites.
They aren’t going anywhere and you Pack fans shouldn’t want them too.
I’m tired of the same old bullshit from Florio and you clueless Packer fans.
94% capcity and the Vikes fans don’t support their team..ludicrous.

By: Bigskyvikes

Bigskyvikes — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:23:29 +0000

Where is my other post????
Who cops this stuff, am I writing a word that does not allow every other post on here??
Or are most of the posters on here PFT people in disquise?

By: packers4life

packers4life — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:37:02 +0000

You can brag on how they ‘just missed’ the blackout but if you Viking fans really supported the team that much, then there would be no mention of blackouts, simple as that.
and there are several other stadiums out in the NFL that are in just as worse conditions as the Metrodome that still sell out. Candlestick Park is falling apart but you don’t hear anything about them avoiding blackouts. Same goes with FedEx Field. That place is known not to be a well built stadium but they still manage to sell-out.

By: footballrulz

footballrulz — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:30:24 +0000

@ Sando
Forgot, this. Got interrupted mid post by a customer (few & far between thewes days).
Well now that I looked at the new posts Beer Cheese has already said it. You guys need a new stadium. According to BigSky, this is your year. I know almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades but you guys need to start showing some love to your new owner or that new Stadium ain’t gonna happen. To him X’s & O’s are fine but $ & cents matter most.

By: footballrulz

footballrulz — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:23:54 +0000

@ Sando
Thanks for the link. I was not attempting to criticize the fan base. I agree with your point about Florio generating hits. I mean, in reality, there has been no blackout since 1997.

By: Bigskyvikes

Bigskyvikes — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:41:10 +0000

Ok I wonder who all the whiners on here that say Vikes fans are pathetic, what team they cheer for?
ummm, I wonder?
Losers, first of all, almost a blackout, ALMOST!
Get a clue!
Greenbay almost won a few games also.
The reality is they didnt have a blackout, they havent had one since 1997.
Also Greenbay does suck!
Try something different to attempt to make the Vikings fans look bad, because all you tweebs did here is make your self look like typical sore losing Packer fans.
Almost a blackout,hahahaha
I almost won the lottery!!
I almost had sex with the hottest girl in hollywood.
I almost thought the Greenbay game against the Vikes was going to be hard fought!!
THIS IS OUR YEAR!!
THIS IS OUR YEAR!!

By: Beer Cheese Soup

Beer Cheese Soup — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:29:42 +0000

CutlerISaPussy says:
FireTed (or Bob Nelson- which ever you want to go by)- no one is reading your long drawn out posts.
____________________________________
No way is Bob also “Fire Ted”.. Bob Nelson LOVES Ted. And no one reads your crap PERIOD, long or not. Go watch hockey, you clearly have nothing relevant to say here, “Twitter style” or not.
Richm2256 says:
Don’t blame the Vikings poor attendance on the facility, don’t blame it on the product (the team is doing GREAT!). Blame it on the fans, who don’t want to come out and spend the money that fans in so many other cities are willing to spend.
____________________________________
I think that about sums it up. Viking “fans” are taking their team for granted. There are worse stadiums and FAR worse teams, and they never come close to having a blackout. I don’t understand why you still wouldn’t support your team when their having one of the best seasons in their history.

By: Richm2256

Richm2256 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:52:59 +0000

“3) New England. Yes they have 3 Super Bowl titles but I do not fully believe this is the reason for their strong following. The move from the old stadium to Gillette improved things considerably for fans and sponsors.”
You got this backwards, Chuckie.
Gillette stadium definitely improved things considerably for fans and sponsors – facility wise – yes, but it didn’t improve their strong following…. It was the strong following that allowed Gillette to be built in the first place. The Patriots fan base exploded with the parcells era, survived the Pete Carroll era, and went ballistic with the success of the Bellichick era. But make no mistake, the Pats were selling out Foxboro long before there was a Gillette.
Don’t blame the Vikings poor attendance on the facility, don’t blame it on the product (the team is doing GREAT!). Blame it on the fans, who don’t want to come out and spend the money that fans in so many other cities are willing to spend.

By: Tabemaju

Tabemaju — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:50:56 +0000

Wow, I’ll go ahead and tackle this one:
You make a post saying that many winning teams face possible blackouts due to speculation, speculation, and speculation and then the Vikings don’t come anywhere close to blacking out, so you make a follow up post stating that the Vikings “avoid” the blackout that you speculated? And you’re criticizing ESPN? I expect constructed news from mainstream news sources, but not an amateur “fan” -based football site.

By: sand0

sand0 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:36:39 +0000

footballrulz says:
@ sando
Favre’s jersey is #1 seller no matter where he goes. Find those TV statistics hard to believe but I haven’t checkced so you may be right. I think most Pack fans have already written off this season anyway.
——-
Favre is new to the team and is a popular player so certainly I don’t mean his #1 selling as a bragging point as much as I just mean that it shows our fans aren’t totally terrible.
The TV statistics absolutely are real, see links below. It is quite possible that the Packers TV ratings were less due to their team getting beat in the game or maybe they generally leave home to go to game parties and bars or some other phenomenon.
But really my point is that obviously the Vikings are very popular in their own 4 team market. They sell out games just like other popular teams. Florio points out our games because people care about the VIkings, good or bad, and post on the articles. If he mentioned how San Diego took until the week of to sell out game X nobody would care. Not their fans or rivals. Somehow it is a story with the Vikings. Packer fans brag about how long their backlog is but so many of those folks are just getting the season tickets to sell them. I went to the game there last season and had absolutely no trouble finding tickets. It would have been more difficult to find on to the game at the dome.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/10/06/packers-vikings-generates-record-ratings/
It shows that Minneapolis game ratings easily surpassed Green Bay despite the game being played in Minneapolis and 50,000 plus of their biggest fans being at the game. This was at the beginning of the year while the Packers were still undefeated.
The above link was just for the MNF game. You will find the exact same story for the second match if you like. Also the Texans/Vikings preseason game was the most watched preseason game in a long time and ratings were extroardinary in Minneapolis. Ironically Green Bay was higher in ratings than Houston. Or sadly. Not sure.

By: Ambrose

Ambrose — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:10:29 +0000

The Viking fans that prefer to watch at home have very right to do so. Who cares if someone would rather watch on TV than see it in-person? I like to go to Lambeau and sit in the elements…I really do…because it makes me feel like I am part of it. If the players have to play in twenty-degree temperatures with a stiff wind in their faces and a little bit of drizzle mixed in for good measure, than the least I can do is support them in the same conditions. It makes me feel connected, with the players and the surrounding fans. I think many Packer fans have the same attitude and it is what separates Packer fans from most other fanbases. But I also know it is not for everybody…like my wife for instance. Does that mean she shouldn’t feel comfortable watching on TV? Of course not. Television revenue exists for a reason…people like to watch on TV. I don’t have to climb Everest to be able to enjoy watching someone else do it.

By: footballrulz

footballrulz — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:40:46 +0000

Oh crap, here we go again. Vikes fans and Pack fans calling each other names. Here we go:
There hasn’t been a blackout there since 1997 so really this is a non issue. So what if TV stations & corporate sponsers had to help a few times–happens most places.
@ ewurm
From several of the posts I’ve read from you in the past I have thought the last part of your name (worm) was very appropriate. Now that I’ve seen the type of fan you are I’m sure of it. Calling your own fans drunken idiots–Go east some shit and make some compost. That’s what worms do.
@ Bzilla
I’ve never been to the stadium but I understand it is pretty bad. Curous though, if the games aren;t seeling out, why do you have to pay $220.oo for a $60.00 ticket? Not trying to be a smartass–seemms to me you could just go to the ticketoffice and buy one. If the”resellers” have bought all the face value tickets then it should be a sellout.
@ tufar
Yo are right. Those two teams are probably not worth buying tickets to. But they still get sold.
@ twiz
You’re right. Florio just stirring up shit to get his Vikes/Packs hits.
@ bitchplease–economy’s bad everywhere but I know it’s got to be a factor in a lot of cases. Let’s see, but Vike tickets or get my kids meds. No choice there.
@ FireTed or Bob Nelson
Take Cutlerisapussy’s advice. Or better yet, just go away.
@ sando
Favre’s jersey is #1 seller no matter where he goes. Find those TV statistics hard to believe but I haven’t checkced so you may be right. I think most Pack fans have already written off this season anyway.
This is a serious question. Is the Meytrodome so bad that building a new stadium would really increase attendance. I mean the economy will still be bad, (maybe-it will take a few yeasr to build it and something might occur by then to turn it around-God I hope so), there will be more seats to fill, Favre will be gone–will a new stadium reall get sold out? Is there no way to upfit the Metro, as happened at Lambeau?
And for you “Vikes moving to LA” folks, I just can’t see the league letting that happen. Just to storied of a franchise, too much history, rivalries just to good to screw with. OF course it is Milf’s team. I guess he can do with it as he pleases–and to those guys it IS all about the money.
God this name calling is ridiculous. I’m a PACK fan & I know we suck & need lots of changes. Unfortuantely, we do not have an owner that can make that happen next weeek so it may take some time.
Fortunately though, there will never be talk about GB goiong to LA.
@Cutlerisapussy–sorry this post is so long. They kinda irritate me too.

By: purpleguy

purpleguy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:08:47 +0000

Typical dopes, mostly cheesers, adding their typical drivel on the same old Viking tan/ticket issue. Another non-story designed to increase site traffic and give cheesers something to feel good about as their team sucks yet again.
First, there’s less than 1,000 tickets left for sale to the games in question — the crappy ones in the upper deck no one wants. Most every team has 1,000 or fewer tickets for sale before each game, yet PFT gets a kick out of noting the Viking status to get the cheesers rolling.
Second, the Vikes have sold out every game for over 10 years without the so-called bailout crap mentioned by the cheesers living in MN (the state with the decent jobs).
Third, if there’s a Pack fan comparison, look back at the last Lambeau/Vikes game and check out all the purple in the stands. Even with Lord Favre returning it was, and remains, easy as hell to get tickets to Lambeau. It’s not a ton of blindly loyal fans that own those season tickets, but individuals and groups holding and re-selling tickets to make money. Not to mention the fact that half the dopes posting above don’t own season tickets to their team — I do.
Viking fans are as good and loyal as the fans of any team. The difference is they don’t have to toot their own frigging horn every day because this ain’t a one-horse town and they can focus on supporting a quality well run team. What else can cheesers be proud about other than their loyalty as fans? Their GM? Their lard-ass head coach? Their smoking conversion to the 3-4 defense? Their crappy young developing players? Let them whine about a couple hundred unsold tickets — they need the limited mental stimulation.

By: mixman34

mixman34 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:09:30 +0000

My god Fire Ted do you understand what being a fan is all about?! Our team is 7-1 what do you want us to say? We suck?! WE ARE FANS so we get excited. I know I know it’s hard to put yourself in our shoes with such a terrible squad (losing to 0-7 teams and all). I mean look at your name, you hate your squad from the top down.
GO VIKINGS!

By: Trench

Trench — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:25:53 +0000

I have done everything in my power to watch every single vikings game that has occured for the last 20-25 years. I enjoy the luxury of a comfortable couch, great viewing angles, a large pizza, and good beer(for the least 9 years on the beer part) all for the grand total of $30-$40 on a Sunday AND I get to watch all the other NFL games on NFL network for the day. If I go to the game (which i go to at least one a year) I lose the entire day either getting out of parking/traffic mess or sitting on the bus, I drop anywhere from $120-$240 on the tickets, each beer would be at least $6 and tastes like ass water, and a hot dog (you know those things that are like $1 for a pack of 12) are like $6 each. so, I’m looking at dropping a paycheck for uncomfortable seats and generally a shitty view (because i don’t have $500 for “good” tickets)
so I guess I’m not a vikings fan because I don’t have an endlesss wallet. even though I’ve watched some of the worst games in Vikings history all the way down to the last play (game against the Bengals about 4 or 5 years ago with like 6 turnovers… NYG in the NFC championship game…. plenty of others to note)
I am one of many of my friends and family that are exactly like what i have mentioned above. but I guess we are crappy fans because we can’t afford rediculously priced tickets in a shitty run down stadium.
FYI – I support a new building
FYI – I always feel poorly represented by my elected officials.(usually the ones i didn’t vote for win)
I can guarantee there are at least a million other people in Minnesota that feel the same way as I do.