The Minnesota Vikings

By Mike Flipps

What does being a Minnesota Vikings Fan consist of in the newest era of the Wilf ownership, The Childress coaching reign and the exciting new running back sensation of Adrian Peterson?

I for one have been a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings, and a season ticket holder for the last nine years—that was until yesterday. Yikes! I know my situation may be like that of many other fans and, to give you an honest feel for what I mean, here is my side of the story.

The fact of the matter is, going to a game is getting really expensive. I live 120 miles away, and gas is just not getting any cheaper. How about parking when you get there? Has anyone seen any of those $5 parking spots? They don't exist. You will, however, spend $20-$40 on any given Sunday to park your car.

Now as for the game itself, my seats were reasonable. They were in the upper deck, endzone, row seven. If you jump down to row six, the price goes up. They were $980 for two seats last year. This year they went up to an even $1000—a 2 percent increase. Not that this was the deciding factor, but add this to everything else and the total keeps going up and up.

Now get to the game and tailgate a little. Hmmmm, that's right, all of the tailgating lots are gone....Bummer. Ok, they have made a few lots to tailgate in over by the Target Center. Huh? Isn't that like a mile away? YES! Not gonna do it, wouldn't be prudent.

Let's get something to eat, and enjoy the game. That ain’t cheap either. So what I am trying to say is that going to a Vikings game is now considered a luxury in a time when luxury is not obtainable for more and more average folks.

Are the Minnesota Vikings worth it? Well, with their newest rookie sensation Adrian Peterson, this has brought the Vikings back into the lime light ever since Randy Moss left. Peterson is the real deal. Does Coach Childress have what it takes? I think so. He turned the team around and ended the season on a decent note that is only looking to get better. New owner Ziggy Wilf has shown that he is a fan himself and he will do what it takes to get it done. A Super Bowl is what is missing, and what has eluded this franchise since its existence. Four Super Bowl appearances and not a win to show for it. Will that change? We all pray to God and hope so.

A new stadium seems to be in the works and would help out with the parking and tailgating situation. But I don't think ticket prices would drop on account of a new stadium. In fact, I think just the opposite would happen. The tailgating and parking costs would improve tremendously, but this is at least five years out and the economy does not look like it's going to take any kind of a turn in the near future. We shall wait and see and while we do, going to see the Vikings may just be a luxury fewer and fewer may be able to afford.

I will be watching on the TV set though. I will be rooting just like always, but I won't be doing it in person. I just can't afford it and I don't think I'm the only one.

Mike Flipp

www.vikingsmania.com