Minnesota’s sports teams have paid tribute to Prince following his shock death.
The 57-year-old singer was found dead at his Paisley Park compound in the state yesterday (21.04.16) and local clubs have been remembering the iconic star.
NFL side Minnesota Vikings were "proud and grateful" to have the ‘Diamonds and Pearls’ hitmaker as a fan.
They said in a statement: "Like the rest of the world, we are shocked and saddened today by Prince’s death. As one of the most influential music icons, Prince was an incredible representative of Minnesota who helped put Minneapolis-St. Paul on the map. He was a brilliant performer and a better person. We will forever be proud and grateful that he considered himself a Vikings fan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Prince’s family at this time."
Basketball’s Timberwolves and Lynx – who are both owned by Glen Taylor – remembered the singer for the way he represented their state with "grace, passion and a hunger for helping others", as well as kindly staging a private concert for WNBA side Lynx to celebrate their Championship success last year.
They said in a statement: "Today we lost a local icon, legend and musical innovator. Prince represented Minnesota with grace, passion and a hunger for helping others. Over the years he became a huge Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx fan, attending numerous games and even treating our Lynx players and staff with a private concert at Paisley Park after winning the WNBA Championship this past fall. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy, especially the Prince family."
Hockey’s Minnesota Wild amended their green logo with a splash of Prince’s signature purple in tribute, while baseball side Minnesota Twins gave their logo a similar makeover, as well as posting a misty photo of their ballpark with an image of the singer on their scoreboard.
The caption read: "Purple rain falling over Target Field. RIP sweet Prince."
Elsewhere, iconic buildings and landmarks including the Eiffel Tower in Paris glowed purple in tribute to the singer.
The Forum in Inglewood, California, San Francisco City Hall, Los Angeles’ City Halls, the Omni Hotel in Dallas – where the side of the building spelled out ‘Purple Rain’ – and New Orleans’ superdome all changed their lighting as a mark of respect to the star.
Prince remembered by Minnesota sports teams
