Pop Culture

Call him Skol Korda! Sebi meets Coach KOC, Harrison Smith at first Minnesota Vikings game

By Matt Fitzgerald Dec 09, 2024
Pop Culture

Dev Patel to star in 'The Journeyman,' a crime thriller about tennis match fixing

By Baseline Staff Nov 02, 2024
Pop Culture

Coco Gauff gets "absolutely insane" mention on Tyler, The Creator's newest single

By Baseline Staff Oct 28, 2024
Pop Culture

Retired soccer star Diego Forlan, 45, set for ATP debut at Uruguay Challenger

By Baseline Staff Oct 22, 2024
Pop Culture

'Daily Show' host Michael Kosta to detail path from pro tennis to comedy in new memoir

By Baseline Staff Oct 21, 2024
Pop Culture

Serena the Swiftie! Williams attends Taylor Swift's Miami Eras Tour show

By Baseline Staff Oct 21, 2024
Pop Culture

Did Taylor Fritz just debut blonde hair at Kygo's show at the famed Hollywood Bowl?

By Baseline Staff Oct 18, 2024
Pop Culture

'Challengers' star Zendaya says players have thanked her for 'making tennis cool'

By Baseline Staff Oct 13, 2024
Pop Culture

Aryna Sabalenka talks “Tiger” theme song after winning third title in Wuhan

By David Kane Oct 13, 2024
Pop Culture

Coco Gauff takes 'winning' inspiration from WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson

By Baseline Staff Oct 09, 2024
Pop Culture

Call him Skol Korda! Sebi meets Coach KOC, Harrison Smith at first Minnesota Vikings game

“The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve seen in sports,” the American tells Baseline.

ByMatt Fitzgerald

Published Dec 09, 2024

Sebi Koc

© Bob Hagan

Skol! Skol! Skol! Sebastian Korda’s long-awaited inaugural visit to U.S. Bank Stadium was everything he imagined—and more.

The 24-year-old made the trip up to see the Minnesota Vikings take on the Atlanta Falcons in Minneapolis. Initially drawn into the NFL franchise by compatriot Mardy Fish, it was his binge-watching of Netflix’s “Quarterback” documentary featuring former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins that completely hooked Korda on joining the purple and gold fanbase.

“Haven’t missed a game in three years,” the American tells Baseline.

The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve seen in sports. The fans are insane. Sebastian Korda

Advertising

The stars aligned perfectly this off-season for Korda to finally catch his team in person. And as fate would have it, Cousins was at the helm Sunday—albeit for the visiting squad's offense.

“I’ve been looking to go to a game for the last year but never had the time. Had a free weekend and wanted to see Kirk’s return game,” said Korda. “Bob Hagan (former Vikings VP of PR) and Mardy set it up and I had an unbelievable experience.”

Smith is a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

Smith is a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

© Bob Hagan

Korda enjoyed a stadium tour and pre-game field access where he met standout safety Harrison Smith and head coach Kevin O’Connell, also known as “KOC”. The Vikings ultimately rolled 42-21 to post their sixth consecutive victory and remain within a win of NFC North division leader, the Detroit Lions.

“The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve seen in sports. The fans are insane,” reflected Korda. “KOC and Harrison were the nicest guys. Couldn’t think of a better first game.”

The Bradenton, Fla. native finished 2024 at No. 22 in the ATP rankings, celebrating his first 500-level title in Washington, D.C. before ending his season early to have elbow surgery Korda is scheduled to kick off his 2025 campaign at the Brisbane International, joined by the likes of 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, fellow American Frances Tiafoe and Nick Kyrgios in the Aussie's comeback launch.