Skol Chant
A clap-and-yell tradition debuted at the Metrodome on August 12, 2016, adapted from the Iceland chant by the Vikings' marketing team and drumline.
When the Minnesota Vikings moved into U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016, they launched a new home-game tradition known as the "Skol Chant." At various points during the match, fans raise their hands and, following two beats of a drum, clap in time while shouting "Skol!" The drumming accelerates until the applause becomes near-constant. This specific rhythm was adapted and modified by the team's marketing department and drumline, inspired by the "Viking war chant" popularized by supporters of the Iceland national football team during their run to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016.
- Origin
- Adapted by Vikings marketing department and drumline, inspired by Iceland national football team (Euro 2016)
- Primary Venue
- Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (debuted August 12, 2016); later U.S. Bank Stadium
- Era
- Started August 12, 2016
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The "Skol Chant" actually debuted at a preseason game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 12, 2016, before the team relocated to U.S. Bank Stadium. The chant was adapted and modified by the team's marketing department and drumline, inspired by the style made famous by Iceland fans at UEFA Euro 2016. The origin of the Icelandic chant is debated, with various fan groups having performed similar rhythms as early as 2013.
In Their Own Story
The roots of the name "Skol" predate the stadium chant by decades. The team's original fight song, "Skol, Vikings," was introduced around the time the franchise was founded in 1961. Its words and music are attributed to James "Red" McLeod from Edina, Minnesota. The term "skol" is an anglicization of the Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian word "skål," meaning "cheers!" Before the new stadium chant took hold, an old recording of this fight song was played whenever the team scored or after a victory, always accompanied by cheerleaders carrying flags that spelled out the team's name.
Reader's Guide
Fans can participate in the "Skol Chant" at U.S. Bank Stadium by raising their hands and waiting for two drum beats before clapping and yelling "Skol!" The rhythm starts slowly but increases in tempo until the applause is near-constant. This tradition echoes the style of the "Minnesota Rouser," the University of Minnesota's fight song, which was also written or arranged by James "Red" McLeod. To honor this connection, university pep bands often perform a version titled "Skol, Gophers," replacing the team name spelling with "G-O-P-H-E-R-S" and making other sport-specific changes.
Did You Know?
- The chant was adapted and modified by the Vikings' marketing department and drumline, not a direct copy of the Iceland chant.
- The chant debuted at a preseason game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on August 12, 2016, before U.S. Bank Stadium opened.
- James "Red" McLeod, who wrote the original 1961 fight song, also wrote or arranged many of the University of Minnesota's fight songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Skol mean?
The word translates to Cheers or Health from Scandinavian languages, reflecting the teams Nordic theme. It serves as a traditional greeting among fans before and during games.
When did the chant start?
This vocal tradition was established in the 1960s when the franchise began play. It has echoed through Minneapolis for over half a century since then.
Where is it primarily heard?
While fans use it everywhere, U.S. Bank Stadium is its primary modern venue during home games. The sound fills the arena to create unity among supporters.
Why do Vikings fans chant Skol?
It functions as a rallying cry that connects current supporters to the franchises founding identity. This auditory symbol honors the Norse heritage prevalent across Minnesota.
Is it just a cheer or something more?
Beyond a simple cheer, it acts as both a greeting and a unifying call for team spirit. It remains a defining cultural element of Vikings fandom today.