MINNEAPOLIS –As the Vikings prepare to take the field at U.S. Bank Stadium for its second season, the original Gjallarhorn is taking its second annual tour through the North.
Last year's "Sound the North" tour kicked off at training camp, but the 2017 event is getting underway a little earlier. The first stop of this year's tour, presented by Explore Minnesota, will be in Hackensack on July 12. The legendary instrument will appear at Sweetheart Days, the town's annual festival.
The Gjallarhorn will make its final off-site stop in Northfield, Minnesota, on Sept. 9 before arriving at U.S. Bank Stadium two days later for the Vikings season opener against the Saints on *Monday Night Football. *
New this year is a stop that will take the Gjallarhorn past the Minnesota borders and into Canada.
On July 23, the tour will arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for **Canada Play 60**. The Vikings have a unique connection to Winnipeg, as Hall of Fame Head Coach Bud Grant – who remains a consultant with the team – played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1953-56) of the Canadian Football League and later coached the Bombers for 10 seasons and six Grey Cups prior to joining the Vikings in 1967.
"We are very excited to launch our second year of the Sound the North Tour," said Brandon Clemens, Vikings Senior Manager of Youth Marketing. "Last year we were able to bring the original Gjallarhorn to over 20 communities across Minnesota, and we are looking forward to replicating that with additional Vikings exposure July-September this year. The Sound the North Tour allows us to bring the Vikings to our great fans throughout Minnesota, and we are incredibly appreciative of the warm reception we receive in the communities we are able to visit."
The tour will make 20 total stops, including at Minnesota's home preseason games against the 49ers and Dolphins on Aug. 27 and Aug. 31, respectively. At each individual location, Vikings fans will have the opportunity to view the iconic Gjallarhorn that's been a significant part of team history. At select stops, fans can also meet Viktor, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders or Vikings alumni.
Fans are encouraged to take photos and tag them on social media using #SoundTheNorth.
Fans can also enter the **Sound the North Tour Sweepstakes** for a chance to win Minnesota getaways, Vikings home game tickets and autographed footballs.
Full tour information is below:
July 12 | Sweetheart Days, Hackensack | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
July 14 | Duk Duk Daze, New Hope | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
July 23 | Canada Play 60, Winnipeg
July 28 | Muskie Days, Nevis | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
July 29 | All Pints North, Duluth | 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Aug. 4 | Vikings Training Camp, Mankato
Aug. 5 | Vikings Training Camp, Mankato
Aug. 6 | RibFest, Mankato | Noon – 5 p.m.
Aug. 10 | Vikings at Bills, Buffalo Wild Wings, St. Cloud | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Aug. 12 | Minnesota Garlic Festival, Hutchinson | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Aug. 18 | Big Ole, Alexandria | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Aug. 18 | Vikings at Seahawks, Alexandria (TBD) | 9 p.m. – Midnight
Aug. 20 | Renaissance Festival, Shakopee
Aug. 25 | Barnesville Potato Days, Barnesville | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aug. 26 | Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul
Aug. 27 | Vikings vs. 49ers, U.S. Bank Stadium
Aug. 31 | Vikings vs. Dolphins, U.S. Bank Stadium
Sept. 6 | Mall of America (Southeast Court), Bloomington
Sept. 9 | Defeat of Jesse James Days, Northfield
Sept. 11 | Vikings vs. Saints (home opener), U.S. Bank Stadium
