Both the Vikings and Seahawks on Sunday "will be outfitted with cold-weather gear supplied by Minnesota-based WSI Sports that is specifically designed for football players who have to perform in frigid conditions;" however, the company's branding "won't be noticeable" because of the NFL's sponsorship deal with Nike, according to A.J. Perez of USA TODAY. WSI gear was "first used by NFL teams" during a 49ers-Packers game at Lambeau Field in '14 when it "was 5 degrees at kickoff with a wind chill of minus 10." Sunday's NFC Wild Card game at TCF Bank Stadium "could feel like 20 below zero." WSI Sports Founder & Owner Joel Wiens said that the players have "access to long-sleeve compression shirts designed to wick away sweat, provide warmth, guard against the wind and allow for full movement." His company also "has supplied them with socks and glove liners" (USA TODAY, 1/8).
YOU'VE HAD EXTRA GLOVES THIS WHOLE TIME? The Vikings on Thursday announced that they will implement several safety measures for fans due to the cold temperatures expected this weekend. Free hand warmers will be distributed in the Fan Zone and at entry gates. Caribou Coffee also will provide free coffee in the Fan Zone located outside the stadium. Beginning at 9:00am CT, Mariucci Arena on the Univ. of Minnesota campus will be open and available as a pregame warming house for fans. Additionally, blankets (non-battery operated) will continue to be allowed and are encouraged inside the stadium. The Vikings also are encouraging fans to bring Styrofoam, cardboard or newspapers to place under their feet within the stadium (Vikings).
