Vikings eye fans at US Bank Stadium in 2021 with latest loosening of restrictions

KSTP
[KSTP]

Friday, the Minnesota Vikings applauded the state’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions and expressed optimism for fans returning to U.S. Bank Stadium for the upcoming season.

The Vikings said in-person sporting events can help unite the state "after such a challenging year" while helping the hospitality industry and downtown businesses.

The team’s full statement can be seen below:

"We applaud Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health for their announcement to begin increasing fan capacity at all Minnesota professional sports venues. The return of in-person sporting events can not only help unite us as a community and bring hope to Minnesotans after such a challenging year, but it also can reanimate our downtowns and bring back thousands of visitors who support the critical hospitality industry. The Vikings top priority in 2021 is to safely welcome fans back to U.S. Bank Stadium, and today’s news is a significant step toward our goal of hosting a full stadium this fall. We recognize, however, that in order to return to all the things we enjoy doing, including attending professional sporting events, we must see continued success with vaccinations. We encourage all Minnesotans to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible."