Minnesota Vikings

Vikings' plan to help fans fight brutal cold involves Styrofoam, newspapers, coffee

Published Jan. 7, 2016 12:53 p.m. ET

Zack Pierce

When the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings kick off their NFC wild-card version of the Ice Bowl on Sunday, temperatures are expected to be incredibly cold -- as in, one of the coldest-ever playoff games.

Back in the days of the Metrodome, and in the coming days of Minnesota's new roof-enclosed stadium, this would be no problem. But on Sunday, playing outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium, both fans and players alike will get an opportunity to prove just how hearty they are by being exposed to the elements for hours on end.

The spectre of potentially freezing to death is likely driving some fans to stay home -- there are still some tickets available for the Vikings' first home playoff game in six years -- but the Vikings have a plan in "an effort to assist with keeping fans safe."

As someone who once endured an outdoor playoff game in January, I assure you those hand warmers are clutch, though "encouraging all fans to also bring their own" sounds like an ominous lack of supply.

Well done, Caribou. But sadly, the warming effects of that coffee, if it doesn't freeze before it even hits your lips, will wear off by the time you walk through the gates.

That's a hockey arena being viewed as a "warming house." Welcome to Minnesota.

Also, you should fashion a makeshift warming hut out of discarded beer cups and nacho trays, line it with the loose yak's hair you brought with you and huddle up in groups of four to six.

We'll settle for TV here, but have fun, Vikings fans -- whatever you decide to do. And stay safe.