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Fans of the Minnesota Vikings will compete against their rival Green Bay Packers counterparts Sunday in an epic tug-of-war contest in Stillwater.

Dubbed the “Border Battle,” the event will start at 9 a.m., about six hours before the two NFL teams face off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The location will be literally on the border: the Stillwater Lift Bridge, which spans the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The contest was the idea of several restaurant owners in Stillwater, Minn. and Hudson, Wis. This is the first year for the event, but they hope to continue it next year.

“We have a really great spot for it, because of our proximity to both sides and because we’re a border town,” said Cory Buettner, who owns Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop in Stillwater. “And because of the lift bridge and its historic significance, it makes a cool backdrop.”

The group worked with the city and the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce to apply for permits to use the bridge, Buettner said.

Twenty-five fans from each side will be tugging on a massive rope that’s 300 feet long and weighs 166 pounds. The tensile strength is over 42,000 pounds, Buettner said.

“So we can tug, everybody can give it their best, and we’re good with the rope,” he said.

Buettner said several people have suggested the bridge should be raised during the event, but it will be in the “down” position.

“We’re safety first here,” he said. “No one is going to go into the St. Croix River because they lost a tug-of-war.”

Despite the historic rivalry between the two teams, Buettner said the contest is meant to be friendly.

“I keep on telling people this is we’re not (Philadelphia) Eagles fans here. We’re not going to get thrown in jail,” he said. “Verbal teasing is fine, but we want to just make sure that everybody has a good time.”

The event is limited to 150 people. Those who really want to participate should 

Proceeds from the event will benefit police, firefighters and emergency responders, with 60 percent going to organizations located in the winner’s state.

The Packers will be trying to break the Vikings' eight-game winning streak. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m.

Kirsti Marohn

Author

Dubbed the “Border Battle,” the event will start at 9 a.m., about six hours before the two NFL teams face off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The location will be literally on the border: the Stillwater Lift Bridge, which spans the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin.


Rival Vikings, Packers fans to meet in tug-of-war contest on Stillwater Lift Bridge

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