TIPSHEET

KNOW THIS

Several former Vikings are making media appearances throughout the week, and given the magnitude of the Super Bowl they include some heavy hitters.

A bunch of them are doing autograph signings at the NFL Shop located at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Carl Eller (1-2 p.m. Wednesday), John Randle (4-5 p.m. Wednesday), Cris Carter (5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday) and Daunte Culpepper (3-5 p.m. Wednesday) are some of the biggest names.

Brett Favre is doing a megabuck autograph session at the FanHQ Store at Ridgedale Mall from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Some of the most expensive VIP packages are already sold out, but a standard autographed photo will run you $219.99.

Jared Allen is making the media rounds on Thursday with a corporate promise of "showing fans how he stocks up on bathroom essentials without ever leaving the house." More on that later this week on this page.

WATCH THIS

If you want to watch opening night festivities for the Minneapolis Super Bowl, you have options. NFL Network, NBCSN and ESPN2 all have coverage beginning at 7 p.m. Monday.

RANDOM FANDOM

"As a fan, I get so frustrated by the fact that this organization has been a winner, but never had the successful hunt. I would like to see the deal closed while Bud Grant is still alive and for all those players who deserved to have the honor."

"purplehorn" commenting on startribune.com

TWEETED

"Having lived in the Upper Midwest for 10 years, expecting visitors to Minneapolis Super Bowl to have two primary experiences: (1) 'Brrrrr,' and (2) 'The people here are so nice!' Carry on."

@AndrewBrandt