It was bone-numbingly cold outside on Sunday morning, with temperatures hovering in the teens below zero.

But that wasn't about to keep hard-core Vikings fans from their pregame tailgating. They just needed to find ways — some innovative, some tried-and-true — to keep the coldest cold at bay.

Season-ticket holders Jen and Kelly Pangburn of Lakeville stayed toasty in a tent belonging to their friend Greg Thomes. There was a portable fire pit, a heater powered with propane and plenty of "liquid courage," they said.

Jody and Deb Sorg planned to fire up a grill and watch the game from the tent. They'd had season tickets but gave them up when the team moved to the new stadium. "We love the tailgating experience," Deb Sorg said. "It's about the people."

Pat Pheifer