As expected, the Vikings will play one of their 2013 home games in London. They’ll be hosting the team to which they once lost a Super Bowl.
A full 39 years after the Steelers beat the Vikings, 16-6, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, the two teams will get together at Wembley Stadium in London. The regular-season contest, announced by the league on Tuesday, will be played on September 29, 2013.
“This is a unique opportunity for the Vikings organization to highlight our brand on an international level,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “Playing in London provides exceptional exposure to the team, as well as Minnesota’s impressive business community and tourism industry. We are honored to represent the NFL on a global level, and we look forward to playing in front of our international fan base.”
The Vikings are an obvious candidate to sacrifice home games to London over the next few years, given that the Vikings will be playing at TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota while the team’s new venue is being constructed.
There had been speculation that the Steelers would be involved in a game played in Dublin, given that Steelers chairman Dan Rooney has served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland. Apparently, the NFL couldn’t work out those arrangements.
The teams have played 10 times since their date in the Super Bowl, with each team winning five games. The Vikings last beat the Steelers in 1995, 44-24, at Three Rivers Stadium.