Vikings Staduim Vote: Purple PR Shines at the Minnesota State Capitol

As we waited with baited breath for the Minnesota Vikings stadium vote from the Minnesota legislature, it was easy to see purple public relations in full force.

Television news reports have been featuring Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton in his Vikings jersey, and fans have brought their purple pride to the streets of Minneapolis and Saint Paul with their chants in support of a new stadium. There was also a Vikings tent and a purple van parked at the foot of the steps of the State Capitol.

Who’s to say that this outward show of affection for our Purple People Eaters influenced our legislators to vote “yes” for a new Viking’s stadium? Well, from the standpoint of a public relations firm, it’s easy to say that it’s certainly been worth the effort so far. The vote now moves on to the State Senate.

We’ve seen visible public relations help launch new products and heighten awareness of the events that my company promotes. For 10 straight years, our team created a photo opportunity for the media with a preview of the Uptown Art Fair. These strategic public relations events featured, mimes to magicians, art models and more performing on the corner of Lake and Hennepin in Minneapolis.  Granted, we weren’t trying to impact a vote within the Minnesota legislature with these efforts, but they did impact attendance and sales.

Seventeen years ago, we along with our colleagues created an outdoor summer festival in the parking lot of a new coffee house in St. Paul.  There was live music, face painters, a jumping castle for kids and iced coffee. This event has now become a two-day music festival that continues to attract new business from people who are drawn to the location because of the music and the energy emitted from the parking lot.

How are you winning votes for your business? We encourage you to attract more attention with visible public relations.

Published on: May 8, 2012