Hello Vikings fans! Welcome to the very first episode—or should I say, blog post—of “Skoldiers & Spice,” brought to you by Sal Spice on Vikings 1st & SKOL for the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by the ever-enthusiastic Sally—known online as Sal Spice—our debut aims to give you a unique twist on your typical Minnesota Vikings podcast by delving into the fan experience, quirky stories, and vibrant community culture that surrounds this beloved NFL team.

Meet Your Host: Sally, Aka Sal Spice
“I’m your host, Sally, or you may know me as Sal Spice on the internet,” Sally begins. She hilariously addresses the likely question aroused by listeners tuning into yet another Vikings podcast, stating, “I know you’re probably thinking, great, another Vikings podcast. What could she possibly have to say?”

Turns out, Sally has plenty to share, and it’s not just stats and game recaps. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, she offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a die-hard Vikings fan living far from the team’s home turf. Imagine growing up surrounded by Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys fans, yet finding solace in the purple pride of Minnesota. Her journey is filled with memorable road trips, game-day preparations, and the quest to find Vikings camaraderie in a different part of the country.

Special Guest: Dave Helps Navigate
To add flavor to the debut episode, Sally invites a special guest, Dave, to join her and help navigate the conversation. They dive right into a discussion about the Vikings’ recent game, sharing reactions and thoughts that any true fan would relate to.

“Hi Sal! How you doing?” Dave kicks off.

“I’m good. I’m good. I’m happy to be here, I’m a little nervous,” Sally admits.

“That’s okay. It’s your first show. You’re bound to get those butterflies out, just like the team did on that first snap on Sunday,” Dave reassures, instantly building camaraderie.

A Journey of Fandom
Sally’s story of becoming a Vikings fan is nothing short of endearing and inspiring. Her fandom journey began in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Despite living in an area heavily dominated by NFC East teams, Sally’s dedication to the Vikings remained unwavering. She credits her father for sparking her interest in the team.

“My dad is a Vikings fan and that’s where I got that from,” Sally shares. But growing up in a different conference’s territory came with its challenges. She recalled how tough it was to feel connected to the team without a local support system. This was before the days of fantasy football and streaming services, so staying updated on team news required a lot of effort.

Fast forward to 2009, the year Twitter became Sally’s lifeline. “That experience completely changed my life,” she reminisces. The platform allowed her to connect with fellow Vikings fans, transforming her solitary fandom into a community experience.

The Dave and Sally Banter
The chemistry between Sally and Dave is a breath of fresh air, providing a fun and engaging dynamic for listeners. They explore memorable moments, from Randy Moss’s surprise return to Troy Williamson’s emotional journey. Sally’s knack for asking unconventional and intriguing questions keeps the conversation lively: “I needed to know though, what kind of pizza was it?” she once asked Nate Burleson.

Dave and Sally also delve into behind-the-scenes stories that aren’t just about play-by-play recollections but humanize the players and the team. For instance, Sally reveals how deeply she was moved by former player Troy Williamson’s candid discussion about his mental health struggles.

“Troy Williamson is by far my favorite guest that I’ve ever talked to,” Sally shares, her voice tinged with emotion. Despite initial nerves about interviewing him, she found their conversation deeply enlightening and raw, shedding light on the personal challenges athletes often face.

On Tailgating and Community
A significant highlight of the show is Sally’s love for tailgating. Her “Skoldiers and Spice” tailgate is a fan-favorite for its welcoming atmosphere. “I feel it makes me feel so happy to be able to welcome people who are coming from out of state like I used to,” Sally notes, emphasizing her role as a community ambassador.

For those planning to visit, she provides invaluable tips to ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable. One essential piece of advice? Never set U.S. Bank Stadium as your rideshare destination. “Put in Jimmy John’s,” she advises, explaining how road closures can make it a hassle to reach the tailgate spot otherwise.

Sally’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment extends to her planning and organizing of tailgate events. The festivities include food, music, and, thanks to a sponsorship from Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, plenty of beer and THC seltzers. “We want everyone to feel welcome, even if they show up empty-handed,” she assures.

Community, Passion, and Positivity
Sally emphasizes the positive community she has found and helped build over the years. Her mission goes beyond mere game analysis and recaps. She aims to create an inclusive space where all Vikings fans feel welcome and engaged.

“I’ve had a huge 180 on my Vikings personality over the last few years,” she reflects. While she continues to love the team passionately, she no longer lets game outcomes dictate her mood. Instead, she focuses on the joy and camaraderie that come from being part of a vibrant fan community.

One particularly noteworthy segment of the episode is Sally’s recounting of how joining the Twitter community in 2009 transformed her lone-wolf fandom into something much bigger. She’s gone from feeling isolated in her passion to leading a thriving tailgate that acts as a meeting point for fans from all walks of life.

Upcoming Events and Tips for Fans
Are you planning to visit Minnesota for a game? Sally has you covered with the latest happenings and must-do activities. A weekend packed with fun starts with SKOL Fest at Corner Bar in Minneapolis, an event filled with Vikings content creators, raffles, and prizes. “I went last year, and it was really fun,” Sally shares, noting that this year promises to be even bigger.

For those looking to dive deeper into Vikings history, the museum in Eagan is a must-visit. Despite her initial reservations about entering what she jokingly called a “house of horrors,” Sally was pleasantly surprised by the exhibit’s quality and depth. “It’s actually the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” she admits.

If you’re in town the day before a home game, don’t miss the Ultimate Touchdown Tour at U.S. Bank Stadium. Available only on the Saturday before a game, this tour offers exclusive access and experiences, including 30 minutes on the field where you can try your hand at kicking field goals or running routes.

On the Horizon: Future Episodes
To wrap things up, Sally reassures fans about future episodes and what to expect. With plans to host a variety of guests in person and delve deep into both current events and timeless stories, there’s a lot to look forward to. The plan is for episodes to be released twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering fresh insights and plenty of entertainment.

For now, Sally leaves us buzzing with excitement about the upcoming game against the 49ers. “It’s going to be a test, but I like our odds,” Dave chimes in, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead.

In closing, if you’re searching for a podcast that captures the true essence of being a Vikings fan—complete with enthusiasm, humor, and community spirit—look no further than “Skoldiers & Spice.” Tune in, join the conversation, and as Sally would say, “Welcome to the Skoldiers & Spice tailgate. We need you there now. You have to be there.”

Until next time, SKOL!

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Join us as fans!

Sal Spice @SalSpice hosts “Skoldiers & Spice” with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL show. We’re partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and their NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.