Kevin Seifert, ESPN Staff Writer 12y

Vikings in London during stadium transition

PHILADELPHIA -- Greetings from Lincoln Financial Field, where I encountered NFC North news the moment I set up in the press box.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Minnesota Vikings will play a home game in London next September, as has been rumored since the team embarked on a four-year transition to their new stadium. The opponent is not yet determined, but the NFL is expected to approve the arrangement during an owners meeting Tuesday.

The Vikings have been eager volunteers for the league's International Series because their new stadium won't be ready until 2016. There are several economic reasons for their interest, but it mostly revolves around the limited revenues they are locked into for the next four seasons. They will play at the Metrodome for the next two seasons and possibly 2014 as well before moving into an even bigger revenue challenge at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium. Also, none of the Vikings' first three home games have sold out this season.

I don't know the exact numbers, but my understanding is that the International Series offers the potential for more revenue on a per-game basis than if the Vikings played at the Metrodome or TCF Bank Stadium. We'll bring you more information as it's available.

^ Back to Top ^