There's nothing quite like being there.
The excitement, the camaraderie and a peek behind the curtain were all experienced by a group of Vikings Season Ticket Members who attended the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay.
Dan Nesdahl, entering his 13th season as a Vikings STM, called the unique experience "one of the best moments of my life."
Nesdahl and 12 others not only occupied the Vikings Inner Circle right in front of the draft stage Thursday and Friday (Rounds 1-3) but also had a chance to participate in various fan engagement opportunities.
Kylie and David Snabb joined the Red Carpet Walk experience, strolling the same Red Carpet players did en route to the NFL Draft's Green Room.
"By far the best experience for us was Night 1 of the draft! It was surreal to be so close to [NFL Commissioner Roger] Goodell and witness all the events in person that we usually are watching from home," Kylie and David said. "Representing the Vikes fans and cheering for our first-round pick, Donovan Jackson, was a true honor — especially when Goodell came down and shook our hand after the pick!
"Plus, the Red Carpet was a fun opportunity to feel like you were getting a glimpse into the real 'rookie experience' on draft night," Kylie added.
Other experiences included the Draft Theatre Tour, which provided fans a behind-the-scenes tour of the NFL Draft Main Stage, which includes the Commissioner's Green Room, New Era, NIKE and Prospect Green Rooms.
Marc Akerlind has been a Vikings Season Ticket Member since 2000 and enjoyed putting himself in the shoes of young draft prospects, imagining what they might be feeling while waiting to hear their names called.
"I especially loved mimicking them putting on their hats in the mirror," said Marc of the draft tradition. "My favorite part of the weekend was probably walking into the theatre for the first time, seeing our seats and how close we were to the field, and then eventually seeing [Commissioner Goodell] come out and make the first pick."
Marc and the other Season Ticket Members were selected by the Vikings through a sweepstakes contest among those who paid their 2025 Season Ticket invoice in full by the first payment due date.
There was no hesitation from Randy and Denice Kerswill, who first purchased their season tickets in 2007 when the Vikings hosted games at the Metrodome.
While in Green Bay, they were able to join fellow Vikings STMs Robert Dingman and Kathryn Eidem, along with fans of all 31 other teams, for a Q&A with Goodell.
"We loved it," Randy said. "The format allowed a more intimate experience seeing and hearing Commissioner Goodell in a candid setting, and the questions asked covered a wide variety of topics related to the NFL.
"It was really neat that all of us Vikings fans could experience different opportunities over the weekend and share them with each other," he added.
But for everyone, viewing the draft from the Inner Circle took the cake for most memorable part of the three-day trip.
"We'll never forget it," David said. "The energy in that place was electric, and it was just so cool to be surrounded by fans from all NFL teams, all there for the same reason.
"To cheer for all these rookies whose lives are changing forever, and then also to cheer extra hard for your team's own picks, was incredible," he added. "You can't help but feel a little emotional seeing how meaningful this is to the athletes and their futures."
Added Robert and Kathryn:
"Being part of the Inner Circle gave us the opportunity to meet other STMs, share our Vikings stories and memories and hear theirs, as well. Everyone's stories and experiences are so unique and cool, and we've definitely developed new SKOL friendships!"
As the Vikings move into the rest of the offseason and continue working with their new-look roster, fans share in the excitement of a fresh start and new season brimming with potential. And those Season Ticket Members who have returned from Green Bay are counting down the days until they're back at U.S. Bank Stadium for game days — their year with new friends.
In fact, the Kerswills noted they already have plans to meet up with their fellow STMs at the longship's mast outside the stadium.
"We're so thankful," Denice said. "What an absolutely amazing experience to represent the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL."
