Vikings Ink Deal To Exclusively Sell Pepsi Products At Metrodome

The Vikings have announced that Pepsi Beverages will become the exclusive soft drink provider at the Metrodome. The new agreement will give Pepsi exclusive soft drink pouring and marketing rights in the stadium for the next two years beginning this fall (Vikings). Pepsi has been the team's official beverage since '03. However, "only Coca-Cola beverages were actually served at the stadium, due to a deal with the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which owns and operates" the Metrodome. Meanwhile, the team also has "named a successor to the Dome Dog -- a quarter-pound sausage dubbed the 'QB Dog.'" The new hot dog will be provided by Minnesota-based Sheboygan Sausage Co. (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/27).

PURPLE REIGN: In Minneapolis, Patrick Reusse noted even as the Vikings "have never been more unhappy with their stadium situation," the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission has spent $1.7M to make the Metrodome the "most purple-friendly it has ever been." The space formerly used by the Twins before they moved to Target Field has been turned into “Vikings amenities,” including a ticket office that is “much better located (on Chicago Avenue) and has four times the space as when the operation was on the back side of the building.” Also, the Gridiron Club was created in the former Twins executive offices, and the commission "has added to the concessions -- including four additional areas to get beer in the upper deck" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/29).