In a promotion that originates in an April Fool’s Day announcement, the St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) will play as the St. Paul Guttural Uff Das on August 13.
On April Fool’s Day 2017, the Saints announced that they’d adopt 50 different monikers during the course of the 2017 season, inspired by the popular practice of teams adopting an alternate name and brand for a game or two. After the idea caught on through social media, the Saints followed through last season with a one-night name change to the “St. Paul Duck Duck Gray Ducks.” This season the Saints are continuing with that theme. With more Norwegians living in Minnesota than any other state as immigrants began entering the state in the early 1800s, the Saints will honor the Scandinavian roots of the state by changing their name for one night.
On Monday, August 13 the Saints will remove their familiar moniker in favor of one that may baffle and dismay their fans as they become the St. Paul Guttural Uff Das. The Saints will wear special Uff Da jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game. Fans can secure their Uff Da paraphernalia by purchasing a special ticket package. The package can be found at saintsgroups.com using the password: uffda. For $18 fans will get an outfield reserved seat along with an Uff Da t-shirt or for $11 a SPLASH Zone Bleacher Seat along with an Uff Da t-shirt.
Uff Da is an interjection of Norwegian origin, brought by Scandinavian Americans to the upper Midwest during the 19th century. It can be used as an expression of surprise, astonishment, relief, and sometimes dismay. It can often be used for common obscenities. The saying is so common in Norway that Charlie Brown uses the phrase “Uff Da” instead of “Good Grief.”
The Saints take on the Sioux Falls Canaries at 7:05 p.m. and fans can bid on the Uff Da jerseys during the game. The auction table is located down the right field line in between the Saints offices and the Treasure Island ship.
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