Minnesota Vikings pregame tailgating could be in danger

A newly proposed Minneapolis ordinance could put some of the tailgating areas for Minnesota Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium out of reach for fans.

When the Minnesota Vikings announced the plans for U.S. Bank Stadium, it was obvious that things would have to change. The bigger stadium on the site of the old Metrodome took up much of the room that fans and the team were using for other purposes.

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Now, it sounds as though one of the traditions of attending professional football games in Minnesota might be in danger, as the city of Minneapolis is looking to tighten up the regulations on tailgating and pregame get-togethers in the area surrounding the billion dollar stadium.

Earlier this year, the team and surrounding neighborhood agreed to expand the area available to fans before games to allow more room for tailgating.

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"“There’s a great tradition and history of Vikings tailgating, dating back to the first days of the franchise at Metropolitan Stadium,” Bagley said in an article on Vikings.com. “Ever since, our fans have participated in the great celebration of getting together before games and staying after games. We have surveyed Vikings fans and know there is a strong interest in maintaining those game-day gatherings as we move to U.S. Bank Stadium.”"

While the Vikings and the neighborhood have found common ground, the city of Minneapolis may be passing an ordinance that could eliminate much of the possible tailgating area for fans. According to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, blocks along Washington Avenue and the Mississippi River may not be available for pregame festivities anymore.

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There is a public hearing about the proposal which could impact these Minnesota Vikings tailgating areas on May 17, 2016 in room 317 of the Minneapolis City Hall at 1:30 pm. Concerned parties should be sure to show up and have their voices heard about just how important these tailgating areas can be to the local economies and NFL experience. Learn more information about that meeting on the Minneapolis Government website.