minnesota vikings Archives - Bullseye Event Group

Countdown to 2020 Miami: Super Bowl IV

One of the most exciting teams in the NFL today, the Kansas City Chiefs are poised as AFC favorites to reach Super Bowl LIV in Miami in 2020. However, back in 1970, they would face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV from the “Big Easy,” New Orleans.

Super Bowl in the Big Easy

In the fourth installment of the Super Bowl, the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs squared off in what would go on to become an unforgettable Super Bowl matchup. Played for the first time (of many) in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane Stadium, a very rainy yet exciting Super Bowl would take place in front of nearly 81,000 fans from all over the country, once again marking the largest Super Bowl crowd in history, a nearly 6,000 increase in attendance from Super Bowl III.

Most experts went into this game predicting a victory by the NFL side of the Super Bowl, however the AFL would once again go on to surprise, as the Kansas City Chiefs would capture their first Super Bowl victory, 23-7 over the Vikings. Kansas City’s stifling defense held the Vikings to just 67 total rushing yards in the entire game, and quarterback Len Dawson would be named Super Bowl MVP, completing 12 of his 17 pass attempts for 142 yards and one touchdown.

Super Bowl IV would also mark a monumental and very different time for the Super Bowl halftime show, with actress and singer Carol Channing taking center stage. Normally, a band from a university or college would perform the halftime duties. The announcers for Super Bowl IV were Jack Buck (father of FOX Sports staple Joe Buck) and legendary broadcaster Pat Summerall, which made for an attention-grabbing Super Bowl broadcast.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl XI

While the Minnesota Vikings are looking to take that next step in the 2018 NFL season, they were appearing in their third Super Bowl in four seasons back in 1977, as Super Bowl XI heads to the famed Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California!

Super Bowl Offensive Showcase

Super Bowl XI between the Vikings and AFC-champion Oakland Raiders would go down in history as one of the most offensive Super Bowls, with the Raiders racking up a then-NFL record 288 yards in offense in just the first half alone. This would help Oakland get out to an early Super Bowl XI lead, eventually leading to a 32-14 victory over the Vikings.

Super Bowl XI would be played in front of over 103,000 fans strong, making this Super Bowl at the Rose Bowl one of the most heavily attended games to date.

Despite a strong showing by Raiders defensive back Willie Brown, who recorded a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown, it was wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff that would walk away with Super Bowl MVP honors, registering four catches for 79 yards.

Another interesting fact about Super Bowl XI remains that the national anthem was not sung, but instead, singer Vikki Carr performed “America the Beautiful” before kickoff.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl IX

After three-straight Super Bowl appearances by the Miami Dolphins, Super Bowl IX would have a new challenger in the AFC, as the Pittsburgh Steelers would face off against the Minnesota Vikings.

Franco Harris Takes Super Bowl MVP

Over 81,000 fans packed Tulane Stadium as the Super Bowl returned to New Orleans, Louisiana (host of Super Bowl 58 in 2024) for Super Bowl IX in 1975. The Pittsburgh Steelers, dethroning the Miami Dolphins after their three-straight appearances in the Super Bowl, would face off against the Minnesota Vikings in their second-straight appearance.

Pittsburgh would dominate in Super Bowl IX, with the Vikings’ only scoring of the game coming off of a blocked punt late in the game. And all of Pittsburgh’s efforts would be without some of their most noteworthy players, including linebackers Andy Russell and Jack Lambert, both of whom sat out due to injuries. The Super Bowl IX MVP award was given to Steelers running back Franco Harris, who recorded over 150 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Super Bowl IX halftime entertainment was provided by none other than Mercer Ellington and the Grambling State University band, a tribute to the great Duke Ellington.

The game was once againbroadcast on NBC and was covered by announcers Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith and Charlie Jones.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl VIII

Continuing their run of dominance in the league, the Miami Dolphins would make their third-straight Super Bowl appearance in 1974, this time facing off against the 2017 NFC runner-up Minnesota Vikings.

Dolphin Domination

Playing in their third-straight Super Bowl appearance against a third-different opponent, the Miami Dolphins would go on to capture their second-straight Super Bowl victory, a 24-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Although not undefeated like their previous season, the Dolphins would become just the second repeat Super Bowl champions in just eight total tries, matching the famed Green Bay Packers with two Super Bowl victories.

Super Bowl VIII was also the first to not be hosted by big cities such as New Orleans, Miami or Los Angeles in the modern era. Instead, the game was played at Rice University’s football stadium in Houston, Texas, their first of what would become three hosted Super Bowls, most recently in 2017 at Super Bowl LI. Larry Csonka, running back for the Miami Dolphins, would become the first running back in league history to be named Super Bowl MVP, rushing for 145 yards on 33 carries for the team.

Pat Summerall would once again handle the broadcasting duties for the Super Bowl, alongside Ray Scott and Bart Starr. The cost of a 30-second commercial rose nearly $15,000 in 1973, up to $103,000. At halftime, fans got a “taste of Texas” when the Westchester Wranglerettes performed alongside the University of Texas Longhorn Marching Band.

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Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl IV

Two of the more exciting stories of the 2017 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings found themselves at the top of their respective divisions, yet falling short of their ultimate goal, the Super Bowl. However, in 1970, the two would face off in a head-to-head matchup in Super Bowl IV.

Super Bowl in the Big Easy

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Road to Super Bowl 53: NFC North Preview

Entering July, we are officially in the final month of 2018 without football! As team’s prepare to ramp up their game plans on the ‘Road to Super Bowl 53’ in Atlanta in 2019, will the Minnesota Vikings continue to dominate in 2018 with a new quarterback at the helm?

Minnesota Vikings

2017 Record: 13-3, NFC North Champions

The biggest contract awarded in NFL history, the Minnesota Vikings finally have what they feel to be their franchise-defining quarterback ahead of the 2018 season in former Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. And despite not returning even one quarterback on the roster from the magical 2017 season that saw them one-game from a home-game Super Bowl appearance, the team seems to feel they’ve found the missing piece to make that final leap.

Aside from renovating the quarterbacks room, the Vikings also brought in other key players, namely defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and wide receiver Kendall Wright, and drafting cornerback Mike Hughes out of Central Florida in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Detroit Lions

2017 Record: 9-7

After yet another middle-of-the-road season in 2017, the Detroit Lions have a brand new coaching staff and a revamped roster heading into the 2018 NFL season.

Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes the reins in Detroit, bringing a new smash mouth mindset to the team. And the team’s offseason improvements look to bolster that mentality, bringing in players like linebackers Devon Kennard and Christian Jones, cornerbacks DeShawn Shead and Nevin Lawson, running back LeGarrette Blount and re-signing safety Tavon Wilson.

Green Bay Packers

2017 Record: 7-9

A disappointing season for Green Bay began with a collarbone injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers that would eventually sideline the Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion for the majority of the 2017 season. But in 2018, with a brand new look across the board, the Packers are looking to rebound.

Despite losing wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the Packers have seemingly reloaded on offense, bringing in some size in tight ends Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis. On the defensive side of the ball, the team brought in embattled Jets defensive tackle Mo Wilkerson to bolster the front lines, and bolstered the defensive secondary by drafting Jaire Alexander out of Louisville and signin Tramon Williams.

Chicago Bears

2017 Record: 5-11

Another disappointing campaign, another offseason of change, and another year with a brand new head coach at the helm recaps the Chicago Bears of 2017 and 2018. But this time around, the Bears are confident they’ve found the long-term solutions.

The Bears went on a free-agency spending spree after bringing in new head coach, former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. On the offensive side of the ball, Chicago signed wide receivers Allen Robinson (JAX) and Taylor Gabriel (ATL), tight end Trey Burton (PHI). But it appears to be the defensive side where the Bears were looking to retool the most, drafting Alabama linebacker Roquan Smith in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft, bringing in linebackers Sam Acho and Aaron Lynch, and signing a bevy of defensive backs in Prince Amukamara, Kyle Fuller, Sherrick McManis and Marcus Cooper.

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2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 25-32

As teams get set for the month of April, the next step on the journey toward Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta involves invigorating the team’s rosters with an infusion of youth; the 2018 NFL Draft. We’re gathering some of the top experts from around the NFL world and taking a look at who they predict will go where, finishing up with picks 26-32.

#26: Atlanta Falcons

CBS Sports: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida | Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Isaiah Wynn, G, Georgia

“The Falcons don’t have many needs, but one spot they could be targeting in the first round is defensive tackle, with Dontari Poe only signing a one-year deal last offseason. Bryan has earned some J.J. Watt comparisons despite the lack of stats at the collegiate level, and he put up similar numbers to Watt at the combine. Defensive tackle is one of the Falcons’ few needs, and they’ll be fortunate if Bryan makes it to them.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#27: New Orleans Saints

CBS Sports: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland | Bleacher Report: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina | NFL.com: Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

“The New Orleans Saints have a legitimate Super Bowl window at the end of Drew Brees‘ career. The best way to take advantage of that after nailing the 2017 draft is to get him a weapon for the middle of the field and up the seam. Hurst might get knocked for being an older prospect (25 at the start of the season) after playing minor league baseball for two seasons before playing college football, but he’s a stud. Hurst has the best combination of traits, as a pass-catcher and blocker, to get onto the field right away. In New Orleans, he’ll open up the entire offense for Brees, Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas and Co.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#28: Pittsburgh Steelers

CBS Sports: Derrius Guice, RB, LSU | Bleacher Report: Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas | NFL.com: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

“After signing Morgan Burnett to bolster the safety position, the Steelers turn their attention to linebacker, and find an instinctive one in Vander Esch” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#29: Jacksonville Jaguars

CBS Sports: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State | Bleacher Report: Mick McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame | NFL.com: Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

“Blake Bortles signed an extension that doesn’t necessarily lock him into being the Jaguars‘ long-term option at the position. With value not on the board at other potential positions worth targeting, the Jaguars grab Rudolph with the hope they can develop him into a guy who can raise the ceiling on the offense higher than Bortles has shown capable.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

#30: Minnesota Vikings

CBS Sports (traded to Cleveland Browns): Connor Williams, OT, Texas | Bleacher Report: Billy Price, OG, Ohio State | NFL.com: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

“Just call this Ohio State north. After drafting center Pat Elflein in the third round last year, the Minnesota Vikings can now select the guy who took his job and also played next to him in previous seasons. Price excelled at center in 2017, but in Minnesota he’d go back to playing guard and can be a dominant force there. Lining up these two maulers side by side and handing the ball off the Dalvin Cook makes this offense potent. Add in that Kirk Cousins needs interior pass protection, and suddenly the prospect of getting Price looks good.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#31: New England Patriots

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

“The loss of starting LT Nate Solder to the Giants clears room for this athletically gifted youngster.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com

#32: Philadelphia Eagles

CBS Sports: Justin Reid, S, Stanford | Bleacher Report: Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama | NFL.com: Josh Jackson, DB, Iowa

“With two potential tackle options coming off the board right before their pick, the Eagles pivot to taking Reid, a safety they’ve reportedly had a lot of interest in. Corey Graham is a free agent, so Reid can come in and immediately fill the third safety role for the Philadelphia defense while giving them a long-term plan when Malcolm Jenkins or Rodney McLeod get too old or expensive to keep.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

Looking for travel packages, tickets and information for Super Bowl 53, including the 2019 Players Tailgate, the #1 Super Bowl weekend event?

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Road to Super Bowl 52: Championship Sunday

The divisional round of the NFL Playoffs are widely considered one of the best weekends in football, and the 2018 edition did not disappoint. And now, as we begin the final approach on the Road to Super Bowl 52, we’re on to Championship Sunday in the NFL.

AFC Championship: Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots

(Sunday, 3:05 p.m. ET on CBS)

After man handling the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night, quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots would go on to advance to their 7th-straight AFC Championship performance, once again being hosted at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Their opponent, however, is the surprise of the 2017 NFL season.

A Sunday afternoon thriller, the Jacksonville Jaguars (yes, you read that right), would defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 45-42 to advance to their first AFC Championship game since 1999. The defense having been the story of the season for the Jaguars, it was the team’s offense that would make the difference on Sunday, with running back Leonard Fournette gaining 109 yards on the ground and rushing for three touchdowns. Quarterback Blake Bortles, long criticized for his play, threw for 214 yards and one touchdown, with no turnovers.

The #Jaguars, their first AFC Championship since 1999, are heading to New England to take on the #Patriots (#NotDone) in their 7th-straight AFCC game appearance! Who's going to #SB52?

— Bullseye Event Group (@Bullseye_Event) January 15, 2018

NFC Championship: Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles

(Sunday, 6:40 p.m. ET on CBS)

Despite a season-ending injury to MVP candidate quarterback Carson Wentz in the regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles took care of business on Saturday against the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons, walking away 15-10 victors and advancing to their first NFC Championship game since 2008. Wentz’ replacement, QB Nick Foles, would throw for 246 yards but no scores, with running back LaGarrette Blount adding the only touchdown of the game for Philly.

Saved by the “Minneapolis Miracle,” the #2-seeded Minnesota Vikings were the improbable winners in what was inarguably the best game of divisional weekend. After leading 17-0 early in the first half, the New Orleans Saints had clawed their way back into the game, leading 24-23 after a late field goal. Driving with just one timeout and 75-yards to go, quarterback Case Keenum and the Vikings offense began their march with just seconds on the clock. After a couple of short plays, Keenum completed a pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who took the pass 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired, pushing the Vikings one step closer to being the first team to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.

The #MinneapolisMiracle has the #Vikings (#Skol) heading to Philly to take on the #Eagles in the NFC Championship showdown between #1 and #2. Who advances to #SB52?

— Bullseye Event Group (@Bullseye_Event) January 15, 2018

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2018 Super Bowl Countdown: Super Bowl XI

The famed Rose Bowl! In 1977, Super Bowl XI was played in this historic stadium, a showdown between the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in their third Super Bowl in four years, and the AFC champion Oakland Raiders.

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January 9, 1977

Super Bowl XI would go on to be remembered as one of the greater offensive Super Bowls in the early years, as the Oakland Raiders racked up an NFL-record 288 yards of offense in the first half of the game. This would help the Raiders get out to an early lead, eventually leading them to a 32-14 victory over the Vikings. Over 103,000 fans were in attendance for Super Bowl XI, making this one of the most heavily attended Super Bowls to date.

While Raiders cornerback Willie Brown had a stellar showing, recording a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown, it was wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff that was awarded the Super Bowl XI MVP trophy, with four catches for 79 yards in the big game.

By Super Bowl XI, the halftime show had transitioned to becoming more of a performance instead of it being marching bands. Disney presented the “It’s A Small World” production with the Los Angeles Unified All-City Band for halftime of this Super Bowl. Another interesting fact about Super Bowl XI remains that the national anthem was not sung, but instead, singer Vikki Carr performed “America the Beautiful” before kickoff.

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2018 Super Bowl Countdown: Super Bowl IX

After three consecutive years represented by the Miami Dolphins, the AFC would have a new participant in Super Bowl IX. The Countdown to Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis rolls through New Orleans, Louisiana with Super Bowl IX.

January 12, 1975

Nearly 81,000 fans were in attendance for Super Bowl IX, played once again at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC champions, would face off against the Minnesota Vikings, who were taking part in their second-straight Super Bowl appearance.

The Steelers would make sure to dominate Super Bowl IX, with the Minnesota Vikings’ only score coming as a result of a blocked punt. Pittsburgh would also be without some of their most talented players, including linebackers Andy Russell and Jack Lambert, both of whom sat out due to injuries. The Super Bowl IX MVP award was given to Steelers running back Franco Harris, who recorded over 150 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Super Bowl IX halftime entertainment was provided by none other than Mercer Ellington and the Grambling State University band, a tribute to the great Duke Ellington. The game was broadcast on NBC and was covered by announcers Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith and Charlie Jones.

Get excited for Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis! Book your five-star travel and hospitality packages today with Bullseye Event Group.

Luxurious hotels such as the Hotel Ivy, Radisson Blu, Marriott AC Mall of America and the Marriott Towne Place Suites, a ticket to the 2018 Players Tailgate at the Super Bowl and more. Learn more about Bullseye’s complete Super Bowl LII Travel and Hospitality Packages today!