Vikings TCF stadium ticket policy = A Christmas Gift Thwarted
I'm a Bears fan living in Minneapolis. A few months ago, I bought two 5th row tickets to the Monday night Bears/Vikings game. I got them at silent auction to benefit a battered women's shelter.
It's not usually my style to splurge at an auction, but it was for a good cause, and I've never been to a "real" NFL game (only preseason). Most of the donated tickets were Wild or Twins, but there was one pair of Vikings tickets, and it was a Monday night game against my beloved Bears! I figured it was a Christmas present for my husband, last chance to see Favre, etc etc. Meant to be, right?
And now I find out that since the Souffledome disaster, our tickets are WORTHLESS. We have to go in first-come/first-serve, the GOPHERS season ticket holders get priority regardless of whether they have a ticket to this game, and if we can't get in, only the actual season ticket holder who donated the tickets we bought gets the refund (which is face value only)!!
To top it all off, the powers that be have decided that we will have NO BOOZE served at the game!! WHAT? That can only be a deliberate attempt to discourage attendance. After all, they already got their money, and they don't want anyone to make a scene. >:(
I know that replanning this game is a huge headache for the Vikes "organization", but it seems to me that they have made no effort whatsoever to try to help out ordinary ticket holders and to help us get seated. And liquored. You can't even claim that they are blowing off second-hand ticket purchases, now that they implement that on the NFL website.
I am beyond disappointed. We're going to try to attend. If we can't get in, I plan to take my tickets and get them matted and framed in midnight blue and orange under a photo of the collapsed Metrodome. It will hang in my Bears den as a memory of an expensive Christmas date gone awry, and of the apt metaphor that the Vikings 50th Anniversary season celebration became.
/end rant
PS: If anyone has insight on how one might transport libations into the TCF stadium, feel free to use this post to discuss such a hypothetical possibility. Just hypothetical. 'Cause it'd be a shame if someone were to actually enjoy the warm tingle of an alcoholic beverage during a frozen football game, ya know.
This FanPost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member, and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.
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That sucks
Vodka in water bottles with the seals pushed up to appear to be sealed perhaps? Or maybe plastic mini mixer bottles of liquor in a hidden coat compartment?
"Word of advice, don’t join, Bears fans are crazy."--- D-Jackfan10
Nice try! Fraid we can't bring any food or beverages though, so water bottles are right out.
My husband has a cunning plan now, which we will disclose only after the game, if it works…
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
A wide flask in the chest pocket always works
Unless the metal detectors pick it up, since most flasks are made of metal, of course.
Put it under the first clothing layer to minimize any little visibility, and you should be fine.
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
by GriggsBriggs on Dec 17, 2010 4:50 PM CST up reply actions
No metal detectors at TCF...
…so no worries there. For Gopher games this season they were having folks open jackets for a cursory look see/pat down and they made you lift your hat if you had one (no idea WTF that was about).
Idk if there will be patdowns / open jackets in those temps
But if there are, I guess some more extensive measures such as mini shampoo bottles; stashed around the crotch area (men), or stuffed in a boot/other high top footwear. And then again, if you have enough time and money on your hands, the items that Dane mentioned would be awesome, although I have no idea what people will think when they see you going into a game with a golden cane haha.
"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."
by GriggsBriggs on Dec 18, 2010 6:06 PM CST up reply actions
funny
although I have no idea what people will think when they see you going into a game with a golden cane haha.
by reefermadness3 on Dec 19, 2010 12:45 AM CST up reply actions
joke franchise
so its expected.
when they move it to atlanta on saturday it will be even better.
Wouldn't expect the game to move...
The Vikings turf guy (@wpturf) has been tweeting that the field is not frozen and is in good shape. Adding the tarp/heaters should only improve things before Monday.
your punter disagrees today
field like concrete.
Yeah Kluwe said a lot, then the NFL shut him up....
Stupid NFL…
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Dec 20, 2010 9:52 AM CST up reply actions
I was referring more to ice on the surface...
…since the reports had been talking about a sheet of ice. But I’m guessing it won’t be worse then the Dome during the turf days when its was literally concrete beneath that turf. Oddly enough everyone was cool with that and you didn’t hear punters whining.
Flask under the belt buckle.
And I doubt they’ll be checking boot linings, so you could try that as well.
The Minnesota Vikings: Where we're so desperate to win a Super Bowl, we'll even sign washed-up Packers.
And also...
Sorry for the tremendous cock-up.
The Minnesota Vikings: Where we're so desperate to win a Super Bowl, we'll even sign washed-up Packers.
by Robert Rence on Dec 17, 2010 3:21 PM CST up reply actions
Greetings, Sir Robert!
I call you Sir Robert because “Robert Rence” has always struck me as reminiscent of a name that should be ratifying the Magna Carta or some such thing.
Anyway, I appreciate the spirit with which your apology is offered, but obviously, it’s not your cock-up. I imagine that later on I’ll laugh about this, whether at the framed worthless tickets, or the memory of freezing my ass off at the game, but for now, I just want to smack some guys in the front office.
For the local economy, I did just go to Gander mountain for a better pair of gloves, long undies, and some hand warmers.
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
Happened for me too.
Except I was the giftee. Family got me tickets for my birthday. However, I could have upgraded (my family got me THE cheapest seats and I could have moved thanks to general admission seating). But there’s no way I’m getting there in time to fight through all that to not be guaranteed a seat.
I sold my tickets.
Want to clear up a couple misconceptions put out there by the OP.
Gophers/Vikings fan (and Gophers season ticket holder) here. Couple of things the OP said need to be clarified.
1) Gophers season ticket holders do not have any special access to the game unless they already have tickets. The exception is the suite/indoor club/loge box premium seat holders. Because those folks hold a lease to their premium seating they have dibs on it for all events. I do believe the Vikings are negotiating with these folks to get their own suite holders access, but I doubt this affects most Bears fans. I know this doesn’t remove the sting of losing guaranteed 5th row seats though. That just plain sucks and I feel for you there.
2) The no-booze thing isn’t too surprising and isn’t a deliberate attempt to lower attendance. The U had always planned to keep the general seating booze free and only serve it in the premium seats (which is in line with all other Big Ten stadiums and almost all college stadiums across the US) but the MN legislature decided to get faux-populist at the last minute and demand that alcohol be served everywhere or nowhere. The U didn’t take kindly to the legislature overstepping their powers and they went with nowhere. Had this not happened the U was going to reserve the right to serve beer in the whole stadium for non-Gophers events. Thanks to the meddling of the legislators you’ll just have to pregame at one of the many fine Stadium Village bars.
Quick clarification to point #1
Gophers tix holders get no special treatment at all (minus the premium folks I mentioned). What I was trying to say was that Gophers season ticket folks can’t get in unless they have a real ticket to this game. If they do then they face the same GA rules as everyone else.
Thank you for the clarification
I thought it was nuts for them to throw Gophers season tix holders into the mix when there weren’t enough tix already, so it’s nice to know that was just a radio rumor.
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
Some additional info about the stadium/campus bars...
Couple of things for anyone who is going:
- The sight lines are excellent from anywhere in the stadium. Even if you don’t get there early enough to grab 5th row seats you should be pretty happy with anything in the lower level.
- Chairback seats are between the goal lines on both decks/both sides. 25,000 (1/2) of the seats are chairback. The whole stadium is designed to allow for chairbacks so the 1 nice thing about the bench seating is that you actually have more width/legroom then the chairbacks. Gotta have something to make up for the cold metal under your ass right?
- There aren’t any electric heaters under the overhang on the concourse so the bathrooms are your best bet if you need a spot to warm up.
- The wind tends to come in pretty strong off the open end. My seats are there and I’d recommend you angle for the home side towards the closed end if you want to avoid the wind.
- There is a great skyline view from the closed end if you interested in that sort of thing.
- Best bars to pregame at (IMO) are Sally’s or Stub and Herbs. Big Ten is also a good bar that has awesome subs if you’re looking for food too.
- Stadium security can be a pain about sneaking alcohol in. They used to be Nazi’s about patdowns on your way in but that got better this season. Hopefully they’ll lighten up given the conditions. You’ll be fine if you crotch a flask. But if you get it in I’d assume they’ll be dicks inside the stadium just to be safe.
by GoAUpher on Dec 18, 2010 12:21 AM CST reply actions 4 recs
i am not attending this game, but if i was i would be thanking you for all of this insight.i have allways wanted to watch the bears play the vikes @ minni, and if i get the opportunity i will try to go when the bears play them early in the season and hope the uni have a home game that week and see if i can attend both games and use your info for that trip. many thanks
Thanks for all the great info...
I’m not going myself, but it was nice of you to come and post what eventually looks like a guide for those of us here that will attend. Thanks a bunch!
in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Dec 18, 2010 4:37 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks for all the advice!
We were wondering specifically about stadium seat type and whether we should bring something to sit on, so that is very helpful info!
I really appreciate the detailed write-up.
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
Thanks all...
…glad to help out. Can’t say I’m wishing the Bears luck but I do wish all of you a great time in the snow. Sneak in a lot of extra booze and drink it for me. =)
You may not want to wish the Bears luck and I understand
But with that said, I’m gonna wish the Gopher’s B-Ball team all the luck in the world (sorry Ditkavs).
I’m a big UK Basketball fan, that has all the respect in the world for Tubby Smith. I truly do hope he takes you guys deep into the madness year after year.
BTW, you’re always welcome at WCG!
Whatever, Gophers suck. So do the Cats.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Dec 20, 2010 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
that sucks. horribly horribly sucks
i genuinely feel bad for you and your hubby. if the worst-case scenario for your xmas date comes to pass i hope you post a picture of the framed tickets!
nice to see someone who knows the stadium talk about it here.
The coolest stadium-related gift I ever got
was a pair of binoculars. But, you see, they weren’t normal binoculars, they were a flask.
The “eyeholes” unscrewed and allowed me to pour a pint in each side. Even came with a strap, so I’d just hang it around my neck, and walk right through security without batting an eye.
Apparently, my buddy found it at a liquor store for about $20.
by Dane Noble on Dec 18, 2010 6:26 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Hmmm....Intriguing!
Looks like I have some shopping to do today!
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
I have never felt the need to have binoculars in a stadium.
If I did what I love for a living, what would I do in my free time?
Writer at windycitygridiron.com {-/-} http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
Never tried this but don't see why it wouldn't work.
Especially with the multiple layers of clothing I’m guessing/hoping you’ll be wearing.

Sorry for the size, but it’s a camelbak. Dad had one while he was in the Army. Don’t see why you couldn’t fill that up w/ a bottle of Jack(or preferred choice of booze), slip it on under your jacket, buy a couple of cokes and enjoy the whoopin’ Da Bears are going to be giving.
Sorry for the circumstances. Hope everything works out.
WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!
I do have one of these.
I took the plastic part out of the cover to make it slimmer. Works pretty well in my coat.
:)
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
I know it's too late to order anything online for Monday,
but here are a couple of products that I found that could be used for future outings:
The previously mentioned binoculars. (16 oz)
The cell phone flask. (4 oz)
The booze belly. (full 750 ml)
The holy bible flask. (4 oz)
Stadium seat cushion flask. (full 750 ml)
The walking cane flask. (10 oz)
by Dane Noble on Dec 18, 2010 12:41 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
^ This is what makes you awesome Mr. Noble.
Definitely going to look into some of these.
On a side note: Go A & M! Sorry bud, but it’s necessary. :)
WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!
I have no idea how old you are...
But you are obviously wise well beyond your years!!!
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Dec 18, 2010 5:37 PM CST up reply actions
hey man
this is some outstanding information.
by reefermadness3 on Dec 19, 2010 12:50 AM CST up reply actions
You forgot this:
The wine rack

Supah classy!
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
I just noticed that this got flagged as spam.
If I did what I love for a living, what would I do in my free time?
Writer at windycitygridiron.com {-/-} http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
Drink before enter TCF..
They will never find the booze inside you..
by Claudio Oliveira on Dec 20, 2010 6:42 AM CST reply actions
Well they won't find it unless you act like a moron and get arrested
and they decide to give you a breathalizer or worse draw blood.
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Dec 20, 2010 9:54 AM CST up reply actions
well.. Its all about quantity..
"We didn't play our best game, and we won. That's got to be a good sign.'' - Jay Cutler
by Claudio Oliveira on Dec 20, 2010 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
True
When the world slips you a Jeffrey, stroke a furry wall.
- Aldous Snow
by Ditkavsworld on Dec 20, 2010 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
Not sure if we're stupid, intrepid, or both
but despite the new wrinkle of a 90% chance of snow and 15 mph avg winds, we still plan to go through with this. If my fingers aren’t frozen, maybe I’ll even say “Hi, WCG!” from the game!
:)
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
Thanks, everyone, for the advice, the empathy, and the laughs.
We had a great time.
My hubby was even quoted (or, rather, misquoted as usual) by a Star Tribune reporter who interviewed him briefly while we were in line.
Pop goes the link.
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
More importantly...
Were you able to get your drink in? Or was it all gone before you got through the gate?
Also, I’m getting a 404.
When you go to somebody's house, you don't crap on their floor. Being a fan of one team does NOT give you license to be a dick to fans of another.
Corollary: When people are visiting your house and behaving themselves, them being a fan of a different team is NOT a reason for you to piss in their beer.
Brought to you by Carl's Jr.
by Robert Rence on Dec 21, 2010 5:05 AM CST up reply actions
Link take two:
Pop goes the link.
When you go to somebody's house, you don't crap on their floor. Being a fan of one team does NOT give you license to be a dick to fans of another.
Corollary: When people are visiting your house and behaving themselves, them being a fan of a different team is NOT a reason for you to piss in their beer.
Brought to you by Carl's Jr.
by Robert Rence on Dec 21, 2010 5:10 AM CST up reply actions
thanks!
I was just about to try to paste the url, but am only on a blackberry, so was baffled how to make it link.
Thx for the technical help.
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
by juperee on Dec 21, 2010 6:05 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
we went with the mini bottles stashed about us.
Disposed of them before we got thru the gate. The line was actually pretty fun! A better crowd than we were surrounded by at the game.
Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation. - David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap
by juperee on Dec 21, 2010 6:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

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