Vikings' first game at U.S. Bank Stadium is preseason tilt Aug. 28
The NFL released its preliminary preseason schedule today, and the Vikings will host their first game at brand-new U.S. Bank Stadium on August 28 at noon after playing their first two preseason games on the road.
Their first opponent at their new home will be the San Diego Chargers.
To ensure that construction will be complete at U.S. Bank Stadium, which is scheduled to host an international soccer match and two concerts in August, the NFL has the Vikings on the road for their first two preseason games.
While times and some exact dates for the Vikings’ three other preseason games were not announced, the NFL did share the matchups and locations.
The Vikings open on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals between August 12-14 then travel to play the Seattle Seahawks between August 19-21.
After the Chargers come to town for the third week of the preseason, the Vikings will host the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason finale on Sept. 1. That is the same night the Twins and Gophers football teams have home games as well — the Twins play the White Sox and the Gophers open their season at TCF Bank Stadium against Oregon State.
The NFL is expected to unveil its regular-season schedule later this month. The league could proceed similarly to the preseason by having the Vikings start the regular season on the road so they can work out potential issues with the new stadium before their official regular-season home opener.
Preseason Week 1 (Aug. 12-14): @ Cincinnati Bengals
Preseason Week 2 (Aug. 19-21): @ Seattle Seahawks
Preseason Week 3 (Aug. 28): vs. San Diego Chargers
Preseason Week 4 (Sept. 1): vs. Los Angeles Rams