Vikings vs. Packers: Who has the better fans?

There is no doubt that the Metrodome (technically Mall of America Field) is one of the most daunting places for opposing teams to play in the NFL. I experienced first hand just how loud 63,775 fans can be (which was the average home attendance for the Vikings in 2009) when you pack them in an old worn down football field with a giant bubble on top. On three consecutive plays, the Seahawks had two false starts and then called a time out to avoid a delay of game penalty. After each play the crowd became increasing shattering with noise.

Although I have never
been to a game Lambeau Field (yet), I realize the intimidation factor that goes along with playing in such a historic sports stadium. Between the winning tradition and the torturous weather late in the season, the Packers 70,708 fans also make this a destination very few NFL team wish to play. There is also a lot of credit due to those die hard fans that must endure the negative temperatures late in the season. It should also be noted that the Packers have sold out every season since 1960 (Vikings began play in 1961) and that trend is not likely to change in the next 50 years either.

Strictly going in terms of attendance, advantage Packers. However, when we take a closer look in terms of attendance compared to capacity, the Vikings filled 99.5% of their seats in 2009 while the Packers only filled 97%. Advantage Vikings. Again the story does not end here. It should also be taken into consideration that the Packers play in the smallest local market of any team in any of the 4 major sports with a metro area population of only 305,000. On the flip side, the Vikings play in the 16th largest metropolitan area in the US with a population of over 3.5 million. Advantage Packers.

Either way, it is fairly apparent that both teams have an outstanding fan base and will not be too worried about selling tickets anytime soon. So in order to find an easy answer to a hard question, let's take a look at what each team's fan base has had to endure over the years while staying loyal and dedicated.

The Packers obviously have one of the most storied franchises in the history of Pro Football and also have the most Championships of any team to ever play (including 3 Super Bowls). The Vikings on the other hand have had to endure melt down after melt down. You can easily anger a Vikings fan by simply saying Gary Anderson, 41-0, or Nathaniel Poole and all of this in the last 12 years. The Vikings are 0-4 in Super Bowls and have not played in one since 1974. Advantage Vikings.

So who has the better fans -- I will let you duke that one out.