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.

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.

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.