Eden Prairie, MN (May 9, 2013) – The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a Facility Use Agreement that allows the Vikings to use TCF Bank Stadium for the 2014 and 2015 NFL seasons. The agreement also allows for two additional seasons, if necessary.

The agreement is subject to approval by the University’s Board of Regents, which will vote on the proposal during its meeting Friday, May 10.

“We’re pleased to enter into an agreement with the Vikings to allow them to play at TCF Bank Stadium,” said Vice President for University Services Pam Wheelock. “With Board of Regents approval, we plan to start work right away to ensure the facility is ready for the Vikings in 2014.”

“This partnership benefits the University, its neighbors, the Vikings and all Minnesota football fans,” said University President Eric Kaler. “The Vikings will remain part of the Twin Cities region during construction of their new stadium, while proceeds will be used to enhance Gopher Athletics and invest in the fabric of our surrounding neighborhoods.”

The use agreement stipulates that the Vikings will reimburse the University for any required TCF Bank Stadium capital improvements, as well as all game-day operational expenses. In addition, the Vikings will pay the University a per-game rent of $250,000 for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, with minimal increases if additional seasons were to be required. The team will also share $50,000 per game in concessions, advertising and sponsorship revenue. In total, the Vikings will pay the University $300,000 per game, with a maximum of $3 million for each NFL season.

“This collaborative process between the Vikings and the University has led to an agreement that will benefit all parties,” said Vikings Vice President of Legal Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Warren. “With this agreement solidified, we can now move forward on finalizing a plan that ensures the Vikings provide a great game day experience for our players, coaches and fans while having a positive impact on the University and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

“We appreciate the University’s commitment to host the Vikings while the new downtown stadium is being constructed,” said Vikings Owner and President Mark Wilf. “We look forward to hosting our fans in TCF Bank Stadium in 2014 and 2015.”

The agreement also includes the creation of a Minnesota Vikings Good Neighbor Partnership Fund, which will be established and administered through the existing University Good Neighbor Fund. The Vikings will contribute $125,000 per NFL season, a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, to the Partnership Fund, which will be used to implement tangible and visible projects during the years the Vikings play at TCF Bank Stadium. The projects selected must be beneficial to the nearby neighborhoods and businesses, allow for participation by the Vikings and their partners and be approved by the Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings made it official today releasing longtime punter Chris Kluwe. Kluwe, who averaged over 44 yards per punt in his 8 plus years with the Vikings, was also very outspoken on various social issues including gay marriage. Vikings GM Rick Spielman released the following statement regarding Kluwe’s departure:

“Chris has meant a great deal to the Vikings both on and off the field in his eight seasons here. He contributed to many victories and we wish Chris and his family the best and thank him for his contributions to the Vikings organization. Out of respect to Chris, we decided to release him now and allow time for him to sign with another team.” - Vikings GM Rick Spielman

Eden Prairie, MN (April 18, 2013) - For the third time in team history and first since 1992 the Minnesota Vikings open the regular season with two consecutive divisional road games, playing at Detroit in Week 1 and at Chicago in Week 2. The Vikings will play a total of 6 games against 5 playoff teams (GB, Was, Sea, Bal, Cin) from 2012.

The Vikings will host the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 for their home opener and the first time in club history.

In a franchise first, the Vikings will play a regular season home game in London when they square off with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 at Wembley Stadium. The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, at noon CT.

Minnesota will have its bye week following the trip to London during Week 5. The Week 5 bye is the earliest bye for the Vikings since 2010 when they had a Week 4 bye. The last time the Vikings had a Week 5 bye was 2005.

Minnesota will matchup with the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, marking the 11th time the two franchises will meet.

In consecutive weeks the Vikings will have a pair of primetime games, at the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 7 and at home against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football in Week 8. It’s the Vikings third trip to play the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, while it’s the third time hosting the Packers on Sunday Night Football.

In Week 9, the Vikings will travel to Dallas, marking the first time the Vikings will play at the new Cowboys Stadium.

The Vikings and Redskins will meet for the fourth consecutive season in 2013 in a primetime matchup on Thursday Night Football in Minnesota. The fourth straight meeting is the most in series history and will be the 13th Thursday Night game in Vikings history.

The Vikings will have two straight road games in Week 11 and 12 traveling to Seattle and visiting Green Bay. This will be the second consecutive season the Vikings have played in Seattle.

Starting out the first of five games in December, the Vikings will host Chicago in Week 13. Minnesota will then matchup with the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 14.

In Weeks 15 and 16 the Vikings face former employers of Head Coach Leslie Frazier hosting the Philadelphia Eagles on December 15 and traveling to Cincinnati on December 22.

The Vikings close the season with the team’s final regular season game at Mall of America Field against the Detroit Lions. It is the first time since 1999 the Vikings will play a regular season finale against the Lions.

Eden Prairie, MN (March 15, 2013) – The Minnesota Vikings have signed WR Greg Jennings. Jennings spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and ranks in the top 10 in Packers history in receptions (7th, 425), receiving yards (7th, 6,537) and TD catches (5th, 53).

The Kalamazoo, Mich. native has been selected to two Pro Bowls (2010, 2011) in his career. Twice in his career, Jennings has recorded 12 and 9 TDs, respectively. In 2010, Jennings was the leading receiver on the Packers Super Bowl winning team while starting every game that season.

SIGNED

Player                           POS.                 EXP.                  COLLEGE

Greg Jennings……………. WR………………….. 8…… Western Michigan

Eden Prairie, MN (March 15, 2013) – The Minnesota Vikings have signed QB Matt Cassel. The 9th-year player comes to the Vikings after stints with the New England Patriots (2005-2008) and the Kansas City Chiefs (2009-2012). Cassel has appeared in 78 games, making 62 starts during his career that started as a 7^th round draft pick (#230) out of Southern California. He led the Patriots to an 11-5 season in 2008 after replacing the injured Tom Brady. Cassel earned Pro Bowl honors in 2010 while leading the Chiefs to an AFC West title and throwing for a career-high 27 TDs.

SIGNED

Player                           POS.                 EXP.                  COLLEGE

Matt Cassel………………… QB………………….. 9…. Southern California