The Vikings opened U.S. Bank Stadium in style on Sunday night.
The home team christened its billion-dollar facility with a 17-14 win over the Packers in front of Al, Cris and the world on a night when Sam Bradford looked like (gasp) a franchise-y quarterback. At halftime, fans in attendance were treated to a halftime tribute to Prince by The Minnesota Orchestra. Relatedly, the first touchdown at U.S. Bank Stadium was a scoring toss from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson. Prince's given name? Prince Rogers Nelson.
Freaky, man.
Other Sunday night spectacle included the greatest player in franchise history being led through a Planet Hollywood-type establishment after suffering a knee injury, as well as the first organized "Vikings Skol Chant", an homage to the "Vikings War Chant" we saw executed with great verve by the people of Iceland during the Euro Cup.
After the game, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was in the middle of his meeting with reporters when another Skol chant interrupted. Zimmer was clearly amused and looked like he had to keep himself from joining in.
Yes, these are times of great optimism in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
UPDATE: The full Prince halftime tribute. H/t The Famous Group:
from The Famous Group on Vimeo.