Minnesota Vikings Call Gopher Hole North Sideline Their Home

In a move that could be considered confusing by some, the Minnesota Vikings have selected the north sideline of TCF Bank Stadium to call their home during games.  This is strange, because the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers prefer to use the southern sideline.

This decision was made after the stadium was visited by Vikings staff on multiple occasions this season and it was decided that the north sideline is best for the team.  The reasons they used were numerous, but mostly hinged upon the weather conditions in the open air stadium.

Recently, Vikings.com’s Mike Wobshall spoke with the Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer Steve LaCroix about this change.  Here is what he said:

"“We are always sensitive to any changes that impact our fans, but we support our football personnel in making this decision that they believe is best for the football team. Fans can be assured that the team will return to the south sideline when the new stadium opens in 2016.”"

Nov 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson (9) hands the ball off to running back David Cobb (27) in the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota wins 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

TCF Bank Stadium has already undergone quite a few transformations.  From the newly installed heating coils to the extra seating, it takes a lot to prepare a college stadium for an NFL team. While changes are always something to pay attention to, this seems like a minor issue considering the entirety of the next two seasons will feature the Vikings playing their home games at at the outdoor venue.

In two years, when the Vikings move into their beautiful new stadium, the team will return to their usual south sideline.