Thee Viking World Order: Diehard Fans & Determination

The Fan behind the Costume

In the front row of every Minnesota Vikings home game, you’ll find Syd Davy, founder of Thee Viking World Order (VWO), firing up his legion of knights. A diehard fan from Winnipeg, Manitoba and season ticket holder since 1985, Sir Syd was first recognized by the NFL community when he caught and lifted Randy Moss into the stands after a touchdown in 1998. A photo of that moment landed on the front page of the Star Tribune the next day featuring Sir Syd, aka 100% Cheese Free, in full Viking costume with purple and yellow face paint holding Randy Moss. For Minnesota Vikings fans across the world, a leader was born.

Founded in 1997, the Viking World Order helped lead the fight in the Minnesota Legislature for a bill to finance a new Vikings stadium and keep the team in Minnesota for years to come. More recently, they have become involved with charities that support Breast Cancer Research and help children with terminal illness. Their broader mission is to represent the Vikings with honor, integrity and respect, to support their team through good times and bad, and to help unite the hordes of Vikings fans across the globe.

Conquering the Legislature

The VWO and Vikings fans across the nation succeeded in getting the stadium bill passed. The new Minnesota Stadium will open in 2016 in downtown Minneapolis featuring an additional 850,000 square feet and 8000 more seats than the Metrodome. Offering fans a richer experience with wireless internet, two team retail stores, 800 HD televisions, 2500 premium parking spaces, large areas for pre-game activities, one full service restaurant and the Vikings Hall of Legends, the new multi-purpose stadium will socially and economically benefit the entire region.

Do you have what it takes to be a knight?

The membership of VWO has grown to nearly 200 knights from every walk of life. To qualify you must show you are a die-hard fan with a loyalty to the team for life, that you will represent the team with honor, integrity, and respect, and that you bleed purple. Before being inducted by Syd you must be supported by 15 Generals and you must make sure all Generals are informed of the nomination. A vote is then taken among the leadership to determine acceptance. If you are accepted, you are expected to show your devotion with a VWO tattoo before you can be “knighted” at the next home game you attend. The tattoo signifies your lifelong loyalty to the team and those who are unwilling to get a tattoo are only granted a honorary membership.

Let Carrot-Top Help Your Organization

The VWO, winner of the 2008 NFL’s Ultimate Tailgaters Award, was labeled the Minnesota Vikings most hard-core, die-hard fans. Not only do they have fun on Sunday rooting for the Vikings, but they also give back to the community. As the organization has expanded, they’ve looked for ways to promote themselves and the work they’re doing. They decided to design an official flag for the 2013 NFL season and we love how it turned out! At Carrot-Top, we are proud to have produced close to 100 flags for them to date to help them continue to show pride and gain awareness for their organization.

Are you looking for a way to gain support for your organization’s goals? Give us a call at 800.628.3524 to get started on your custom flags and banners today. We can guide you to the best materials, colors, text sizes and displays to make you get attention.