EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- For 37 years, the Minnesota Vikings practiced at Winter Park in Eden Prairie.
"This is like the Smithsonian of football here in the Twin Cities," said Kevin Warren, the Vikings Chief Operating Officer.
Football on this hallowed ground, where the fields are now sporting a different kind of football.
Life Time is opening the first-of-its kind place for organized pick-up soccer, called "Life Time Sport."
"You can just show up, find people who are matching to your level and play 5-on-5 soccer, and then we just keep rotating," said Bahram Akradi, the Founder and CEO of Life Time.
It's for anyone, of any age, on any day of the week, any season. Inside, Winter Park is getting a makeover with soccer fields replacing goal posts, and places for parents or kids to hang out.
The Vikings opened Winter Park in 1981, with the iconic Vikings ship out front, and the team still owns the building. It's been the practice home for legends like Bud Grant, John Randle, Cris Carter, and Randy Moss. That, along with its location in Eden Prairie, made it a unique spot for Life Time Sport.
"I think this place will be very, very full. Very busy. But, that is going to be exactly what you need so that you know if you show up on a Monday afternoon at 6PM and you want to play soccer, there's enough people here to match the games," said Akradi.
Life Time has more than 135 gyms in 38 major markets across the US and Canada. Akradi says - they're always packed with pickup basketball games; that sparked his soccer idea, he saw a need and called the Vikings.
"It's about community, it's about friendship, it was about building bridges, it was about relationships and having fun and getting better. And, so, I love this concept," said Warren.
Life Time Sport is already starting to hold some pickup games outside, but they're expecting to open up its indoor facility by mid-to-late October. If you'd like to learn more or join the Life Time Sport waitlist, click here.
The Vikings moved to their new headquarters - TCO Performance Center in Eagan - earlier this year.