The Vikings made a less-than-inspiring march to the NFC North title, and as of Friday night, they had not sold out Sunday's game at the Metrodome.
Plenty of purple pride still swirls across the Sioux Falls area. But some fans aren't ready to make an emotional investment in a team led by Brad Childress and Tarvaris Jackson, making playoff debuts as coach and quarterback.
"The Vikings and big games haven't always ended up the best,"
said Mike Knudson, a 28-year-old Sanford Health marketing representative.
But the lifelong Minnesota fan, who still was debating on New Year's Day
whether to attend the game, hasn't given up hope.
"I think Adrian Peterson will have a good day," said Knudson, forecasting a 24-13 win.
Apparel in demand
Others also are keeping the faith in Sioux Falls, where purple and gold
still are popular picks among sports merchandise.
"The division championship shirts, hats and knickknacks have all sold well,"
said Cat Clark, manager of the pro license shop at Scheels All Sports on
41st Street.
Overall, though, Clark (an Eagles fan) noted that Chicago Bears items
sell almost as well as Vikings apparel.
Sports bars also give a good indication of where local fan allegiance lies.
Jean-Paul Devarenne, a bartender at Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, said the
fans have been loyal, but the excitement isn't as high as might be expected.
"But then, I'm not a Vikings fan," he said, noting that Green Bay Packer
fans in the area almost match Minnesota supporters.
Al Wehr of Sioux Falls is a die-hard Vikings fan. But he isn't exceptionally
high on his team's chances.
"It depends on which team shows up," the 41-year-old investment
representative said. "At times, (the Vikings) look unbeatable. But most
times, they look like there's a lot more work to be done."
Still, Wehr, his brother and a friend plan to attend the game along with
their wives. This time, though, they will have to find a new mode of
transportation.
Wehr and six buddies from Worthington, Minn., bought a bus in 2003, which
they repainted, redecorated and named "Purple Power."
The 20-seat 1987 Ford transport is temporarily out of commission after the travelers blew out a tire and "tore up the back end" en route to the last home game, Wehr said.
Guardedly optimistic
Wehr points to Peterson and free agent additions Jared Allen and Visanthe
Shiancoe as bright spots on a 10-6 Vikings team.
"Allen is all we hoped for, and we can live with Peterson and his fumbles,"
Wehr said. "It seems like he either turns it over or takes it to the house."
Wehr said crowd noise at the Metrodome is a "huge advantage with the lid
on the building." But he added that the volume hasn't been as high lately.
"We have to be loud and proud and hope for a second week (of playoffs)," he
added.
Matt Wilfahrt, 40, of Sioux Falls also is guardedly optimistic.
He said he owns 45 Vikings jackets, two authentic helmets and dozens of
shot glasses and mugs, as well as team-oriented rings and watches.
"I'm hoping the Vikings will win," he said, "but I'm not getting my hopes
too high. If they can keep Philly's offense off the field, they might have a
good chance."
Klark Thomsen of Lake Preston has had season tickets since the Vikings
moved into the Metrodome in 1982.
But the 54-year-old teacher, coach and athletic director at Lake Preston
High School is going to pass on this game.
"There's too much else going on," he said. "Maybe if they make it to the NFC
championship game, we'll go."
Thomsen predicted the Vikings could get a win "if they get Peterson going
and if defensive tackle Pat Williams returns to action."
But Thomsen said Jackson will be the key, he added.
"If he can cut down on his turnovers and just run the team, we'll be OK."
While some are reluctant to to embrace the team's playoff hopes, Thomsen is
convinced the Super Bowl is a possibility.
"You have to be positive," he said. "Some people don't want to admit to
being a Vikings fan, and some people give me a hard time, but I can take a
little heat."
