The Minnesota Vikings thanked the UK for it’s hospitality and support during a week of NFL International Series madness that saw the Vikings grab their first win of the season over an embattled Pittsburgh Steelers side, in a hard-hitting bout that went right to the wire.
A near capacity crowd descended upon Wembley Stadium to see the spectacle of the NFL in all it’s glory with a showcase display put on by two of the league’s finest franchises. But with Minnesota playing the role of home team, the stadium was transformed into a Viking’s paradise, creating a sea of purple and gold once the 83,519 fans in attendance made it inside.
Speaking to the media after the game, Minnesota’s Head Coach Leslie Frazier said: “I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Wembley Stadium and for London.”
The wonderful turnout added more fuel to the debate about whether or not an NFL franchise could eventually call London it’s home permanently, a prospect that some of the Vikings seemed quite warm too. Greg Jennings who scored two touchdowns on the night, brought his whole family over and said although it cost him a lot (the family like to shop) they all “had a great time”.
“It was my kids’ first time here, and they absolutely loved it. The UK has such great history, it’s been an honour to be here and special to get a home victory in London. I’d definitely like to come back,” Jennings said.
The Vikings came to London on the back of a 0-3 losing streak, leading many fans and commentators to call their London home game a “must win” over the Steelers, and as the 4th quarter neared it’s end, the Vikings flirted with danger allowing the Steelers to get within six-yards of the scoring end zone. However, the home side’s defence managed to stop Big Ben Roethlisberger by bringing him down and forcing a turnover with only seconds left on the clock.
Speaking about winning in London, 300-pound offensive linesman Phil Loadholt, said: “It feels great, we didn’t want to come all this way to leave without a win. I was very pleased with the fans, there was a lot of purple in the crowd. I didn’t know what to expect but the fans here were incredible. It’s been a great experience and I hope we come back next year!”
We hope they do too, but thankfully this year NFL fans in Britain won’t have to wait much longer for more NFL live action as the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to host the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 27, only weeks away. The atmosphere is guaranteed to be explosive if the Steelers @ Vikings game is anything to go by, coupled with the fact that regular tickets sold out within days.
But if you would like to go and don’t have tickets, some premium and hospitality tickets are still left at nfluk.com, the price tag may be a little higher but I can vouch for the quality of the experience that fans have Club Wembley, with fine dining, drinks and entertainment throughout the day.
