In an example of the increasing intersection between sports and gaming in the U.S., Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota has introduced a new Minnesota Vikings-themed gaming area on its casino floor to enhance its relationship with the team and its fans. This is the latest collaboration between Mystic Lake and the Vikings; Mystic Lake was an original 2016 U.S. Bank Stadium Founding Partner and one of the first casinos to ink a partnership with an NFL team.
The space, called the Vikings Party Pit, features Vikings-branded décor and blackjack tables with custom felts. Blackjack dealers in the area are outfitted in custom Vikings jerseys, and guests playing blackjack during Vikings games can win team merchandise and prizes. Guests can expect fun giveaways during Vikings games and a drawing at the end of the season for both Vikings and Mystic Lake prizes.
“Mystic Lake’s first-of-its-kind, innovative relationship with the Minnesota Vikings is all about bringing excitement to guests and fans,” said Angela Heikes, president and CEO of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Gaming Enterprise, which operates Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino. “The new dedicated, Vikings-themed space on our gaming floor, as well as activities at U.S. Bank Stadium, provide even more unique experiences for football fans.”
Mystic Lake’s Club Purple and Little Six Casino’s Club Gold at U.S. Bank Stadium will now also offer promotional tables where fans can play free games on NFL game days. Mystic Lake’s Club Purple, which was the first of its kind for an NFL stadium, quickly became one of the most popular locations inside the venue upon its 2016 opening. The 28,000-square-foot space holds more than 1,000 people and includes lounge-style seating, three bars and an outdoor balcony overlooking the Minneapolis skyline. Mystic Lake expanded its existing footprint by introducing Little Six Casino’s Club Gold earlier this year.
The Vikings also recently launched a new “Pass or Play” game presented by Mystic Lake in the Vikings app where fans can select a football team lineup by “drawing” cards to reveal their players, and points are accrued based on performance. Fans can create their own groups to play against their friends and lineups are reset each week. This weekly free-to-play game features Mystic Lake and Vikings prizes.
“Our longstanding partnership with Mystic Lake continues to be focused on enhancing the experiences for Vikings fans and Mystic Lake’s guests,” said Steve LaCroix, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Minnesota Vikings. “These latest creative ideas bring the Vikings brand to life at Mystic Lake and integrate Mystic Lake into the fan experience both on game day and through the Vikings app.”
