Ordinarily the first thing Chip and I see when we arrive at the Metrodome is a small collection of Vikings players on the field. John Sullivan playing catching with Jon Cooper is a staple. Another is any number of assistant coaches walking around with a coffee cup in hand.

Today, those who enjoy the early quiet before a loud afternoon have received an unpleasant surprise. (And that list includes me.) A marching band is on the field practicing Ricky Martin's "Livin DA vida loca." I am not kidding you. These people are a walking advertisement for why getting to sleep early on a Saturday night and making sure your head is clear in the morning is an exceptional idea.

Eventually, these fine folks are going to have to finish up and we're going to be able to get down to the business of football. The Vikings will open their home season at noon against the Dolphins.

We should be getting the inactives list from both teams around 10:30 a.m. so make sure to check back for that. I don't expect any huge surprises from the Vikings and wide receiver Percy Harvin (bruised hip) is expected to play.