Minnesota Vikings Pay Tribute to Prince With Halftime Show
The Minnesota Vikings broke in their new stadium over the weekend with a victory against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, making them just one of eight teams in the NFL that still hold the title of being undefeated. While there was plenty of other tidbits to take away from the game itself – Adrian Peterson suffered a scary knee injury and Sam Bradford did something disgusting to his hand – the most memorable moment of the night might have come at halftime.
In honor of music legend Prince, who was born in Minneapolis and supported the Vikings, the team draped the entire stadium in purple lighting for a halftime performance by the Minnesota Orchestra and gospel group The Steeles. Together, they performed Prince’s hit song “Purple Rain” while Vikings and Packers fans lit up the stadium with their cell phones.
Minnesota Vikings U.S. Bank Halftime Show (Beethoven’s 5th & Purple Rain) from The Famous Group on Vimeo.
To make the tribute even more special, the first touchdown ever at U.S. Bank Stadium came from Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson in the first quarter, which people quickly decided was an homage to the Minnesota legend since Prince’s full name is Prince Rogers Nelson. So even though it was from the other team, a touchdown from Rodgers to Nelson on a night the team honored Prince, it’s almost too perfect.
Now all the Vikings need to do is make one of Prince’s hits their official song like the Minnesota Wild did.