Pre-kickoff celebration expanded

The Vikings have traditionally had one function for fans that served as a kickoff to the season. This year the franchise has put together several days of activities that will lead up to Monday's opener at Green Bay.

It will begin Wednesday with a kickoff breakfast at Windows on Minnesota in the IDS Tower. The Vikings also will have several players visit the Seed Academy/Harvest Preparatory School in North Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Other events will include a season kickoff party at the 17 Buffalo Wild Wings in the Twin Cities on Thursday evening, a party at the Mall of America from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and a community tailgate party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Peavey Plaza on Nicollet Mall.

"We're trying to create more of a comprehensive buildup to the regular-season kickoff," said Steve LaCroix, Vikings vice president of sales and marketing. "We wanted to tie in the corporate and business community as well as the charitable work we do each week."

While the Vikings have only 1,000 tickets left for the Sept. 14 home opener against Indianapolis, about 8,000 remain for the Sept. 21 game against Carolina at the Metrodome.

As a result, the Vikings and Fox affiliate KMSP (Ch. 9), which is scheduled to televise the Panthers game, have worked a deal that will enable fans to save $10 on select $60 tickets. Details can be found on KMSP's website at www.myfoxtwincities.com.

While a solid start would go a long way toward selling tickets to the Carolina game, LaCroix doesn't want to take any chances. Teams have up until 72 hours before kickoff to have a game sold out, or a local television blackout is enforced. The NFL often does grant extensions in such cases.

"We have a significant number of seats left so we want to make sure we have enough time to prepare leading into that game," LaCroix said. "We don't want to necessarily rely on a last-minute rally."

The agent for offensive tackle Willie Anderson said Monday the Vikings have not called about the veteran, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday.

"We haven't been officially contacted by Minnesota, but we have been contacted by many, many teams, and I'm sure Minnesota is aware of his situation," said Terry Bolar, who runs Prestige Sports International.

Anderson, 33, is a 13-year veteran whose streak of four Pro Bowl appearances ended last season when he was limited to seven games because of injury.

Some have wondered if the Vikings would consider adding the 6-5, 340-pound Anderson. Ryan Cook is entering his second season as the Vikings' starter at right tackle. Anderson's success has come playing on the right side, so signing him to take over during left tackle Bryant McKinnie's four-game suspension wouldn't seem to be an option. The Vikings plan to play Artis Hicks at left tackle.

Bolar said Anderson is healthy and ready to go. "I think it will come down to the situation, and we will evaluate what's best for him," Bolar said. "I'm sure something will take place."

• The Baltimore Ravens claimed kicker Steve Hauschka after the Vikings let him go in the final cutdown. Hauschka made all four of his field-goal attempts in the preseason, including three against the Ravens on Aug. 16. The Ravens also have veteran kicker Matt Stover. Hauschka could be used as a kickoff specialist.

• The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the Cowboys are targeting Brooks Bollinger as a potential third quarterback. Bollinger was released by the Vikings on Saturday.

• The Vikings will return to practice today as they begin preparations for Monday's opener against the Packers. Players will be off Wednesday and practice Thursday through Saturday.

• Kevin Warren, Vikings vice president of operations and legal counsel, and his wife, Greta, will donate more than 400 backpacks filled with school supplies at Lyndale Community School in Minneapolis.