5 Ways To Stay Warm At Vikings-Seahawks 'Tundra Bowl'
The Vikings' first playoff game against the Seahawks this Sunday is set to be one of the coldest in recent history, with forecast temperatures at or below zero for most of the day. But this is Minnesota, and we're not about to let a little nip of Jack Frost get in the way of a good game.
If you're one of the lucky fans who took advantage of some of the crazy low prices for Vikings playoff tickets, here are five ways to keep the cold out and the SKOL in!
The More Layers, The Better
We Minnesotans already know this, but here's one for the Seahawks fans flying into the Twin Cities: Layers are the key to keeping your body warm! Start with a base layer of long underwear and thermal clothing, and gradually increase in thickness from there. Oh, and in case you didn't already know -- your Vikings gear goes on top!
Eat Hot Food & Drink
Any food at all will help keep your core temperature up (think of it like fuel for your internal furnace), but hot foods and drinks are the best way to raise your core temperature in a pinch. Unfortunately, Vikings game day security forbids any outside beverages from coming into the stadium, so you'll have to leave your Thermos at home. Still, you can get coffee and hot chocolate at concessions around the stadium, and Vikings representatives say Caribou Coffee will be providing free coffee to fans in the Fan Zone prior to the game.
Hands & Feet Are Critical
As anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the winter will tell you, your hands and feet are the first to go. The smaller extremities are the furthest away from your core and have a lot of surface area, which means they lose heat the fastest and are the most difficult to warm up. It's a good idea to grab a few hand and toe warmers before the game. But no worries if you forget -- Vikings representatives will be handing them out in front of the gates for free on game day this week.
Bring Something To Sit On
When you arrive at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday, keep in mind that those metal and plastic seats have been sitting outside in subzero temperatures all day and night -- they're going to be ice cold! It's an obvious spot for heat to leave your body while you're sitting down throughout the game. If you bring a cushion or a blanket to sit on, it will warm up a lot faster and make sure you'll stay warm through the whole game. (Note, according to the Vikings, only small seat cushions no thicker than an inch and which do not have backs, compartments or pockets are allowed at TCF Bank Stadium. However, blankets are allowed in.)
Cheer!
Ultimately, there's only one way to keep your core temperature up, and that's to make sure you're not just staying sedentary all game. Moving around is the best way to stay warm in cold temperatures, whether it's walking around the stadium or going up and down steps. But the most fun way to stay warm in the game is to get on your feet and show your support. Let's hear your SKOL!
