The Vikings will be starting their journey with the first game in Dublin, and will participate in a second match in London. This unique cross-town collaboration continues the NFL’s emerging multi-national trend, expanding the global game of football beyond the Caribbean. The team’s commitment includes ensuring that players are well-prepared for the challenges of playing abroad, with extensive planning already underway.
Preparation and Logistics
The logistical preparations for this trip have been a doozy. The Vikings’ staff packed two semi-trucks with welcome kits, medical supplies and hygiene products. They stocked up with water, Gatorade, and other non-perishable goodies to keep the team fueled on their journey. The supplies loaded onto a cargo ship bound for Panama that departed New York on June 30. Their arrival in Dublin will be shortly before the team’s. However, some of the biggest provisions will have already been waiting for the team upon their landing.
Through their training base in Ireland, the Vikings will get an opportunity to take on Galway’s Connacht Eagles representative side. This training facility — located nextdoor to the Sport Ireland campus. This facility will enable the team to focus on their regular training routine while adjusting to the new surroundings. Following their time in Dublin, the Vikings will travel to London on Monday afternoon. After that, they will continue practicing and getting ready for their second game.
“The planning for this, it consumes our life until the trip is over. There’s plenty of mornings or nights I wake up and I think about Dublin, and it just is what it is because we want the trip to go perfect.” – Parson
Vikings head performance dietician Ben Hawkins has calculated that the Vikings will serve around 7,000 meals during their time overseas. Food trucks will be stationed near players’ hotels and practice facilities. To help keep a balanced diet while far from home, they’ll be serving some local fare as well.
Engaging with Local Communities
The Minnesota Vikings hope to make the most of their time on this international trip by interacting with new local communities and potential fans. Mark Wilf, the franchise’s co-owner, said he is excited to expand the club’s footprint. He’s still committed to increasing participation in the sport across the board.
“We’re club first, but we are also very mindful of making sure the league and the sport grows,” said Mark Wilf.
This trip provides an opportunity for the Vikings to strengthen their brand internationally while fostering a greater appreciation for American football in new markets. With a team based in Dublin and London, this unique international presence gives the team a competitive advantage. It reinforces their relationship with fans outside of the US.
Individually and collectively, Wilf made clear that getting a strong fan base was the key to success. He understands that it’s key for the long-term success of the franchise and the league in general.
“The more the business grows, the more the fandom grows, and it just makes it exciting for everyone,” Wilf added. “We’ve spent a lot of time with Tyler [Williams] and the crew making sure our players will be ready. Our players are up to it.”
A Unique Experience Awaits
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has said he is excited for this special opportunity to play in two different countries. And two games abroad is great too, personally and businesswise, for the players obviously and for fans too.”
“If you’re going to go over there once and go on that short trip and they want you to have a second game there, I want that second game right away and I want it in two different countries,” O’Connell stated.
For the Vikings, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in their history. It provides them an invaluable chance to make a positive impact on a global stage. With careful planning though and a commitment to creatively reaching their fans, they plan to make this journey one that will be cherished.
In addition to cultural welcome guides, the NFL has shared suggestions of local tailors to ensure any team members will be able to get garments altered while there. These kind of thoughtful accommodations are a testament to the league’s commitment to helping teams successfully manage their international experiences.
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