Training Camp 2008

In 2008 the Minnesota Vikings will call Mankato their summer home for the Alltel Vikings Training Camp for the 43rd straight season. Over 50,000 fans attended the 2007 Alltel Vikings Training Camp to observe daily practices and take part in all the fun and fanfare in the Vikings Village.

The team typically practices twice daily and the Northland Ford Autograph Zone will return in 2008 where fans can get their favorite player’s autographs following selected practices. On the afternoon of opening day, July 25, the Vikings will hold a team introduction in Blakeslee Stadium. The NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick program, for kids ages 8-15, will be held Friday, August 1. A youth football clinic and a cheerleading clinic conducted by the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders are also being planned. Night practices will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, August 2. Alltel Vikings Training Camp will conclude on Thursday, August 14 with Fan Appreciation Day including a full-team autograph session following the morning practice.

Please keep checking back to vikings.com throughout the summer as additional information is added. 

 

Minnesota Vikings player and coach autograph sessions will be open to the public for 20 minutes following the designated practices during Camp. Autograph sessions will take place in the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone located at the North end of the Vikings Village. Autographs will be conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order to give as many fans as possible the opportunity to secure an autograph, there will be a limit of one (1) item per person and no personal photographs will be allowed.

Players and coaches participating in the autograph sessions will be grouped by position. If you wish to participate in the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone please follow the procedures listed below.

1. Proceed to the entrance gate of the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone. The gate will open 20 minutes prior to the end of practice.
2. Once you enter the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone, please proceed in an orderly fashion to one of the open lines.
3. After practice is completed, the players and coaches will be escorted to the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone where they will sign autographs for 20 minutes.
4. A countdown clock will display the amount of time remaining in each session. A horn will sound at the conclusion of each session.
5. Only one (1) item per person will be allowed for autographs. No personal photographs will be allowed.
6. Fans are welcome to proceed to the back of the line for another trip through the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone.

 

** Times and Players/Coaches subject to change without prior notice.

Time: 5:00 PM (Immediately following afternoon practice session)

Location: Blakeslee Stadium

Fans, be sure to come out to the Alltel Vikings Training Camp on opening day to get the first introduction of the 2008 Minnesota Vikings! Following the afternoon practice, players and coaches will introduce themselves to fans in Blakeslee Stadium. Lucky fans may be able to catch an autographed mini-football from a member of the 2008 Vikings!

Location: Purple & Gold Hospitality Tent; Practice Field End Zone

Cost:  FREE (Season Ticket Owners only) – Registration will start July 1, 2008

The Vikings invite all Season Ticket Owners to the Alltel Vikings Training Camp to get a sideline view of practice! Each season ticket owner has the opportunity to reserve up to four (4) places in the exclusive tent where you will be able to enjoy a Vikings practice as well as autographs from a Vikings alumni player. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

Do you have what it takes?! Kids ages 8-15 can participate in the NFL Pepsi Punt Pass & Kick Program following the afternoon practice. The top performers in each age bracket will advance to regional competition. 

This event will be held in Blakeslee rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the event will be held Sunday, August 3 at 2:00 pm in Blakeslee Stadium.

A registration form will be available in coming weeks.

Location: Blakeslee Stadium

The Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders invite kids of all ages to participate in a FREE Cheerleading Clinic at the Alltel Vikings Training Camp. Instruction will be provided by the 2008 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleading Squad. Refreshments will be provided to all participants. In case of inclement weather, the clinic will be held inside Myers Field House. 

Each child must submit a completed registration form with a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian to participate in the event. The registration form is available online at vikings.com or may be picked up at the Training Camp Event Information Booth. Completed forms should be submitted upon check-in on the day of the event. 

A registration form will be available in coming weeks.

Season Ticket Holder Day #2

Location: Purple & Gold Hospitality Tent; Practice Field End Zone

Cost:  FREE (Season Ticket Owners only) – Registration will start July 1, 2008

The Vikings invite all season ticket owners to the Alltel Vikings Training Camp to get an end zone view of practice! Each season ticket owner has the opportunity to reserve up to four (4) places in the exclusive tent where you will be able to enjoy a Vikings practice as well as autographs from a Vikings alumni player. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Blakeslee Stadium

The Minnesota Vikings invite boys and girls of all ages to participate in a FREE Youth Football Clinic at Alltel Vikings Training Camp. Refreshments will be provided to all participants. In case of inclement weather, the clinic will be held inside Myers Field House. 

Each child must submit a completed registration form with a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian to participate in the event. The registration form is available online at vikings.com or may be picked up at the Training Camp Event Information Booth. Completed forms should be submitted upon check-in on the day of the event. Check-in begins at 11:00 AM at the north entrance to Blakeslee Stadium across from the Autograph Zone. Parents are reminded to pick their children up at the conclusion of the clinic.

Participants in the youth clinic will receive football instruction and be led in non-contact football drills by Mankato West High School coaches and players.

A registration form will be available in coming weeks.

Time: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM

Fans, be sure to come out to the Alltel Vikings Training Camp on August 14 for Fan Appreciation Day. The Minnesota Vikings truly value your continued support of the team and wish to take this opportunity to thank you for attending the 2008 Alltel Vikings Training Camp. During the last practice of this year’s camp, look for the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders passing out great prizes, register to win autographed Vikings merchandise and get autographs from the entire Minnesota Vikings roster!

Fans get your brand-new Vikings replica jersey or apparel as well as many other souvenirs at the Vikings Welcome Tent! The air-conditioned tent will feature hundreds of Vikings merchandise, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats and  lots of items that can be used in the Autograph Zone. Stop by to pick something up for that avid Vikings fan in your family and for yourself!

Be sure to stop by the NFL Play 60 Game Zone and put your football skills to the test! This exciting, FREE area includes interactive games for all ages such as the Helmet Bounce, FB Toss and Obstacle Course. This area will be open every day the camp is open! 

Come hungry! There will be plenty of fan-friendly food including hot dogs, kettle corn, pizza, BBQ and more available in the Hy-Vee Food Court.

While taking a break from practice in the Vikings Village, enjoy a cold Miller product from the Miller Lite End Zone Bar. The bar will be open during all regular Vikings Village hours. Miller Lite is the official Beer Sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings.

If you require any medical assistance while at the Alltel Vikings Training Camp, please go to the Ambulance / First Aid Station located in the Northwest corner of Blakeslee Stadium.