MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - For the first time in 32 years, the Minnesota Vikings will play an entire season outdoors.

That era begins Friday night at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus when the Vikings play their preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders. 'The Bank' will be the Vikings home for the next two seasons while their new stadium is being built in downtown Minneapolis.

University associate athletic director Scott Ellison said $2.5 million in improvements have been made to accommodate the Vikings, including new goal posts, bleachers on the West Plaza and 38 miles of tubing to heat the turf.

The playing field will undergo changes between Vikings and Gophers games. Hash marks and numbers will be repainted and the end zone colors will change from Vikings purple to Gophers gold.

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