How the Vikings' signature 'Skol' chant came to be

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - When the Vikings moved in to US Bank Stadium last season, they started a new tradition--but where did the "Skol" chant come from and how did it end up with the team?

"We didn't have much doubt going into it that it would take off in some manner because the reason we do it is because of the fans who asked for it," Mn Vikings Vice President of Content and Production Bryan Harper said.

The Skol chant actually started as the "Vikings War Chant" used by fans of the Icelandic National Football Team during their Cinderella run at the World Cup in 2016.

From there, the Vikings asked the Icelandic team if they could borrow the chant, incorporating the Vikings rallying cry in time for US Bank stadium's debut.

"We started getting emails from fans saying you guys gotta do this," Harper said. "This is called the Viking War Chant. You gotta do this at our stadium ... and It was the right time to take a shot."

Since then, Vikings fans have embraced the ear-shattering cheer made up of two drum beats followed by a clap, and fans shouting "Skol!" The entire chant culminates with the sounding of the Vikings' horn.

Case Keenum got it going at Lambeau Field of all places after last month's win over the Green Bay Packers, and it’s also popped up at both home and away games for the Minnesota Wild, as well as a restaurant in Woodbury after a Vikings victory.

The Skol chant may be one of the Vikings newest traditions, but the team believes it’s here to stay.

"Just the communal aspect of it [is appealing]," Harper said. "You are all in this together and it's one person doing something, but it's 65,000 people who are joining into the moment--and that ends up having an impact at the game."

The Vikings try to limit the chant to once before and once during the game so it doesn't get stale, though Harper says this Sunday they may have to start it a couple of times during the game to help enhance the team's home field advantage.