Excitement is building for the August 28th debut of the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. But not everyone is cheering.
When the Vikings christen their new digs, there will be a celebration honoring hundreds of cheerleaders who’ve supported the team over the years. Just not all the cheerleaders.
Unless the guest list is modified, the Vikings will welcome the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders group dating back to 1984. It was first reported by the Star Tribune that “The Parkettes,” the cheerleaders who led the charge from 1964-84, were left off the invite list.
In an email to BringMeTheNews, Beth Kimball of the Parkettes said they are “stunned, outraged, perplexed and “disappointed.” She added:
The Parkettes were the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders for 20 years from 1964 until 1984, out in the sub-zero weather with the team on the field at the Met Stadium. We are part of the Vikings’ 55-year history, and we all carried that proudly through life like a badge of honor. To hear that we didn’t count as MVC Alumni, was really disturbing to those of us who had heard about it. It started a firestorm of Facebook chatter and more Parkettes (and other community members) joined the conversation.”
Before the days of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and sideline cameras documenting their every move, the Parkettes were simply St. Louis Park high school students who led the cheers for the Vikings.
The Parkettes have their own website, which offers a very detailed history with the Vikings including participation in four Super Bowls.
