Skol Chant
The Vikings' Skol Chant, a tradition born from Iceland's war chant.
The Skol Chant is a tradition at Minnesota Vikings home games, started when the team moved into U.S. Bank Stadium in 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
At various points during the game, Viking fans raise their hands and after two beats of a drum, they clap in time and yell, 'Skol!' The drum beats increase in tempo until the applause is near-constant. The chant is a copy of the 'Viking war chant' made famous by supporters of the Iceland national football team during their run to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016. The Vikings joined up with Iceland midfielder Aron Gunnarsson and strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson to introduce the chant. Iceland supporters are believed to have started the chant after it was performed by fans of Motherwell F.C. during a UEFA Europa League match between Motherwell and Icelandic club Stjarnan in July 2014, although there is evidence of fans of both RC Lens and Middlesbrough F.C. doing the same in 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
The Skol Chant is performed at various points during Vikings home games. Fans raise their hands, then after two beats of a drum, they clap in time and yell 'Skol!' The drum tempo increases until the applause is near-constant.
Did You Know?
- The word 'skol' is an anglicization of the Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian skål, meaning 'cheers!'
- The Skol Chant is a copy of the 'Viking war chant' made famous by Iceland supporters during UEFA Euro 2016.
- The Vikings introduced the chant with the help of Iceland midfielder Aron Gunnarsson and strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.
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.
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