EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Two passionate Vikings fans were among the first to meet first-round pick Laquon Treadwell after winning a one-of-a-kind experience through Vikings Rewards, the team's new loyalty program.
Laura Rahier, of Burnsville, and Ana Genz, of Albertville, live on opposite edges of the Twin Cities, but they met through Vikings games and have become friends.
United on game days and beyond, Laura and Ana attended the Miller Lite Draft Party and joined in celebration when Treadwell became the seventh receiver ever drafted by Minnesota in the first round.
After learning about the benefits offered through Vikings Rewards and how it works, Laura used points to enter a contest and was selected as the winner.
"I thought I'd get a hat or some [other merchandise]," Laura said. "That would be cool, too, but…"
Attending Treadwell's introductory press conference at the Winter Park Fieldhouse and meeting him afterward for autographs and photographs was an emotional touchdown.
"The draft party was fun in itself, and that's why I'm out of my world right now," Laura said with excitement about the opportunity.
Treadwell signed footballs, souvenir helmets, smiled broadly and chatted with the ladies. It was quite the introduction for the fans and the player, a Chicagoland native receiving his first exposure to Vikings fans.
The ladies said they'll look forward to following Treadwell's career.
"It will be even more fun to watch him, because we were at the draft party and have now gotten to meet him," Ana said. "We can watch this person grow and play with the team."
The ladies have tickets to see Metallica on Aug. 20 at U.S. Bank Stadium and have already circled the Vikings regular-season home opener against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 18 that will be televised by Sunday Night Football.
They joked that they're ready to skip summer and go right to the season.
"The love and passion for the game and the team brought us together," Ana said. "It's fun to share those commonalities."
About Vikings Rewards
Vikings Rewards is a new fan loyalty program that allows the team an opportunity to thank fans for their unending loyalty and Vikings pride. Through Vikings Rewards fans can earn points for things they already do as a fan, and then redeem those points for unforgettable experiences and great prizes! Click **here** to sign up for Vikings Rewards.
