6 Minnesota Sports Connections To Prince
The death of music icon and entertainer Prince last Thursday sent shock waves not only across Minnesota, but over the entire world.
Everyone seems to have their own personal story relating to Prince. It might have been meeting him, going to one of his shows or just attaching to his music and message. Since his death, there has been no shortage of tributes and messages through social media, especially from Minnesota's sports teams and athletes.
Here's a sampling of some tributes to Prince from Minnesota sports teams and local connections he made.
Wild Honor Prince With Goal Song, Logo
The Minnesota Wild did its share to pay tribute to Prince both before and during Game 6 against the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday. They created his logo in the stands of the arena, held a moment of silence before puck drop, did a video tribute in his honor and the team skated out to his famous song, "1999." Prince's song "Let's Go Crazy" was also played after every Wild goal, and there were four of them in the third period.
Tribute to #Prince happening now at @XcelEnergyCtr.
(And yes there will be video) pic.twitter.com/6MIfTv8oeX
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 24, 2016
Twins Honor Prince With Walk-Up Music, 7th Inning Song
The Twins have honored Prince in several ways since his death, but their largest collective effort came Monday night against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. It was their first home game since his death last Thursday. Every player in the batting order changed their walk-up music to a Prince song of their choosing. Prince music was also playing between innings, especially during the seventh inning stretch. Oswaldo Arcia hit a walk-off homer as the Twins won 4-3, and Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" was played as Arcia was mobbed by teammates as he touched home plate.
Here's tonight's #PurpleForPrince lineup, complete with Prince walk-up songs selected by each player. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/Utl1ETzNbM
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 25, 2016
Prince Played Concert For Lynx After WNBA Title
The Minnesota Lynx won their third WNBA title in five years last season, and what better way to celebrate than with a music legend. During their post game party, they learned Prince had invited them to a private concert at Paisley Park that went until the early hours of the following morning. He loved basketball, and the Lynx danced to his music like it was 1999.
Twins Honor Prince During Road Trip
The Twins did their best to honor Prince while away from Minnesota when they learned of his death last week. Officials went to social media to show pictures of their digital signs fully lit in purple the day of his death to pay tribute. The team also wore purple wrist bands during their weekend series against the Washington Nationals.
Fitting that it's raining in Minneapolis today. pic.twitter.com/s5KFurDhHi
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 21, 2016
Prince Created Song For Vikings (Jan. 21, 2010)
Prince was a Vikings fan, and he wrote a song for the team just days before a heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Saints in the 2010 NFC Championship game. The Vikings went 12-4 during that regular season with Brett Favre at quarterback. They dismantled the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 in the divisional playoffs before the overtime heartbreak in New Orleans. The game was on Jan. 24, 2010, and Prince wrote the song three days before. Check it out here.
Minnesota Athletes Honor Prince On Twitter
Once word of Prince's death became official, several Minnesota athletes took to Twitter to pay their respects and honor a Minnesota music icon. Check out some of their posts.
Twins win. This one is for Prince!! Little Red Corvette blaring in clubhouse. #ripprince
— Brian Dozier (@BrianDozier) April 21, 2016
Prayers going out to the family and fans for the passing of music legend Prince! ????
— cordarrelle (@ceeflashpee84) April 21, 2016
RIP to the legend Prince! Minnesota's very own.. You will be missed!
— Tyus Jones (@Tyusjones06) April 21, 2016
RIP Prince. One of the all time greats! #RaspberryBeret
— Blair Walsh (@BlairWalsh3) April 21, 2016
— Carter Bykowski (@CarterBykowski) April 21, 2016
RIP Prince. Baby you're gone much too fast
— Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) April 21, 2016
Prince. RIP. I'll never forget the explosion in the locker room when we found out he was performing for us after game 5 last season.
— Lindsay Whalen (@Lindsay_13) April 21, 2016