Vikings 89th in ESPN's Ultimate Standings
by Anthony21 on Jul 2, 2009 1:34 PM CDT
in Minnesota Vikings
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PrintI always enjoy ESPN's Ultimate Standings because we don't often see direct comparisons among the 122 professional sports franchises in the four major leagues. If you haven't read the Ultimate Standings before, they simply rank all 122 teams based on ownership, coaching, players, stadium experience, etc. Here's the homepage of the rankings and here's the page for the Vikings.
Of the 122 professional sports teams, the Vikings came in 89th this year -- up from 110th last year. "Bang for the buck" and "players" were the categories they scored strongly in, but "coaching," "fan relations" and "stadium experience" all brought the overall ranking down.
Can't argue with the lousy "stadium experience" ranking (117th -- I'm actually surprised ESPN thinks there are five stadium experiences worse than the Metrodome, expect perhaps the Metrodome for baseball). The horrible ranking for Brad Childress' staff (111th) seems to be based on fan voting, so while it's clearly unreasonable to say there are only 11 coaches in professional sports worse than Chilly, it's pretty easy to see why he ended up as low as he did. "Fan relations" is considered "ease of access to players, coaches and management" -- they placed 97th in this category, but I do think they've been making an effort to improve in this regard. The "State of the Vikings" roundtable we covered a couple weeks ago with Chilly, Spielman, Wilf and Greenway immediately comes to mind.
I had no idea the Dome's $3 hot dogs are tied for the cheapest in the NFL. Still, according to the article, the stadium was criticized by fans for "uncomfortable seats and lack of on-site parking." I'd add narrow concourses, horrible sound, and an overall dreary atmosphere to that list of complaints.
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appreciate what you have!
i’ve been to the minneapolis airport once just long enough to catch a connecting flight and that is my only time in minnesota. i’ve never been to the metrodome. i’ve seen it on tv of course but they only show the field and the fans in the stands.
i’ve read articles and posts and such about how terrible the metrodome is. i’m not going to argue with that. i’m sure it sucks as bad as any say. i’d just like to say that i wish i had the opportunity to be able to go to a game at the metrodome on any given nfl sunday and see my beloved vikings play. i wouldn’t care if i had to use an outhouse and sit on those horrible metal folding chairs.
i’m sure i would feel the same as everyone else about the dome if i actually lived there and went to games and events on a regular basis. but living a thousand miles away it always strikes me as a bit selfish to hear all the comments about people hating the dome. i’m sure there a some who feel the same and i’m willing to bet all of those who do feel that way have no professional teams near them so it’s probably just jealousy on my part!
i hope i haven’t offended anyone. i know the vikings need a new stadium. they are a business. but with or without a new stadium, think of all us poor tv watchers who don’t even have a horrible metrodome to go to the next time you think you have it so bad.
by iseepurplepeople on Jul 2, 2009 2:23 PM CDT reply actions
didn’t mean to stear this toward only the stadium issue.
i can see where coaching got a low grade if it were determined by fan voting.
i agree they appear to be trying to improve fan relations.
hopefully we’ll continue our climb to the top so watch out angels (angels number 1? really?)
by iseepurplepeople on Jul 2, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
AGREE!!
I can atleast say I have been to the dome on a few occasions to see them, and can vouch that it isn’t the best place to watch football.(Or any other event for that matter) But now that I live on the Gulf Coast of MS I never get the opportunity to see them. My only chance of seeing them is if they happen to be playing the Saints or Falcons. And even then, Atlanta is still six hours away. I would give my left nut to be able to be at every home game. I agree that they definately need a new stadium, but I still wouldn’t complain too much. I would just be happy we have the Vikings instead of not having them at all.
by shift47_brada on Jul 3, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I feel the same way… Never been to the Metrodome, but I’d stand barefoot on burning coal to see them in person.
by PurplePeopleEaters on Jul 2, 2009 2:51 PM CDT reply actions
Where do you live?
I put a few bucks away and went with a friend on about a four hour trip to Nashville to see the Vikings last year. We lost, so that sucked but it was fun to see AP and the guys in person. Surely you don’t live farther away from an NFL venue than that.
As a lifelong Vikings fan
who has been to many games, I also don’t really see what the fuss is about with the dome. I mean, I know we need a new stadium so we can stay in Minnesota and I’m all for that. However, I happen to think the Metrodome is actually a great football experience.
First, the place is loud as ****! Honestly, I don’t know what is more fun than just being so unbelievably loud on 3rd down that the road team cannot function on offense. It’s an adrenaline rush, really. And this part about the chairs being uncomfortable is ridiculous. If you really think they’re that bad, maybe you should try working out.
The part about concourses being small honestly doesn’t bother me. I think it’s a good time when after a Viking victory, drunk adults are yelling, screaming, and singing in celebration.
People will disagree with me on all of this I’m sure, but I really will miss the dome when we get our new stadium. So many memories…. even if it is a dismal looking place.
I agree
not sure why the metrodome gets so much hate. I always like going to vikings/ twins games because it is unbelieably loud…it makes up for any “dingy” look or small concourses
sugar + water + purple
That's a fair point
Ideally, you’d like to have the best of both worlds: A great stadium in terms of parking, facilities, etc. that maintains a great atmosphere. Grape Drank, I do think the overall dinginess and poor facilities makes the Dome deserving of the criticism it receives, and I’ve always been a huge supporter of the push for a new stadium — but I cannot deny that the Dome has an awesome gameday atmosphere.
And this part about the chairs being uncomfortable is ridiculous. If you really think they’re that bad, maybe you should try working out.
Where were you… a luxury suite? Front row or on an aisle? Those seats are terribly uncomfortable for a little guy like me. Nothing “working out” will fix. Couldn’t disagree with you more on this topic.
V-I-K-I-N-G-S! Skol Vikings, Let's Go!!
Okay okay...
maybe I was a little harsh. But the thing is that when I go to Vikings games, I’m so into the game and analyzing what we’re doing and what the other team is doing that a tiny detail like the seats doesn’ t bother me at all.
I guess I’m not one of those fans that goes to the games to grab a beer and watch some football. I go to them because I LOVE the Vikes and I get too wrapped up in the game to care about my comfort.
Basically, I don’t sit in the seat… I hang on the edge of it.
I tend to agree with the sentiments expressed here. As someone who’s only been to fewer than a dozen “major league” sporting events, I’m always in awe of the stadium, wherever it is. The Metrodome’s not the greatest (Petco in San Diego is rmy favorite), but I always get that “ooh, aah” feeling the few times I’ve been lucky enough to see the Vikings or Twins there.
does anyone know what the title track category is? i couldn’t find an explanation but we got an 83 rank in it.
by iseepurplepeople on Jul 2, 2009 3:48 PM CDT reply actions
Here you go...
Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.
Fan Relations (FRL): Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management.
Ownership (OWN): Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community.
Affordability (AFF): Price of tickets, parking and concessions.
Stadium Experience (STX): Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.
Players (PLA): Effort on the field and likability off it.
Coaching (CCH): Strength of on-field leadership.
Title Track (TTR): Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans.
My experience was Great
Both occasions to the Metrodome were awesome. Its more about being around fellow fans who bleed purple as well. Skols in the air. The Metrodome is one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, and I’d assume any of the 3 professional sports they are referring too as well. My last trip, when we played Washington 2 years ago for a birth in the play-offs, was a blizzard. It might have been the best atmosphere. People digging there way into the dome. I had a 4 block walk from the stadium and i couldn’t see 10 feet in front of me. Got lost, and ended up taking 45 minutes to get to the stadium. We lost, but it was a blast. I even got to arm wrestle some mammoth local at a local bar. Don’t ask me how I got tricked into that. Nearly broke my arm.
For us that live far away, I think the Vikes organization and interest has certainly grown and is easier accessable for distant fans. I can’t speak for those that are in surrounding counties of Minneapolis. Our team talent should be ranked very high, and i’m sure after this year that statistic will change.
skoL
If you've been there, then i'm jealous.
I would love to hear, see, smell and touch the stadium in person. I dont doubt that we need a new stadium, but man i just wish i could go to one game in the Metrodome.
Having been to the Dome a ton of times...
I love it. The atmosphere is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. You have no idea (unless you’ve been there) just how INSANELY loud it can get. You don’t see people whipping out earplugs all the time for nothing.
However…
uncomfortable seats
Can’t agree more. I’m 5’9", 175 pounds and I feel uncomfortable once I’m to my seat. Now imagine being a taller or heavier guy. If you are a big boy, there’s practically no room whatsoever for you. Trying to eat and drink while at your seat is very difficult too. If I were rich I would buy two seats for every game just so I actually had room to stand.
The uncomfortable seats, however, have never taken away from the experience for me. Sure, it’s annoying as hell sometimes, but… I’m watching the Vikings… live… in the ThunderDome!! No better feeling in the world!
V-I-K-I-N-G-S! Skol Vikings, Let's Go!!
Gonzo's Ultimate Standings
1) Minnesota Vikings
2 – 122) Really, who cares?
(Okay. . .I suppose the Twins, Wild, and T-Wolves would comprise my top 4. But beyond that, really, who gives a damn?)
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Jul 3, 2009 11:12 PM CDT reply actions
Seats
Having never been to the Metrodome, but having just flown across country (Spokane-Minneapolis-Tulsa) I would put money on it that I spent a longer period of time in a more uncomfortable seat than the Metrodome seats yesterday. Add in that I spent much more money for that seat, and the Metrodome starts to seem like a pretty good deal.
The Minnesota Vikings - Undefeated in the Playoffs at Lambeau Field!
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