Minnesota Vikings announce training camp move to Eagan for 2018
By Adam Carlson
The Minnesota Vikings have announced that the team will be moving their training camp from Mankato to Eagan for the 2018 NFL season.
This season will mark the 52nd year that the Minnesota Vikings have used the field at Minnesota State University, Mankato to hold their training camp, but sadly that tradition will be coming to an end in 2018.
The Vikings announced on their official website that the franchise will be moving their camp from the college campus to the new Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) Performance Center as long as there are no delays or complications with construction.
Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren looked back on the time spent in Mankato at training camp fondly, but also expressed his excitement for moving forward in Eagan:
"“Over the past 52 years we have formed incredible relationships with Minnesota State University, Mankato, the City of Mankato, and the entire community, and those partnerships made this decision difficult. With our increased space and amenities, the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center will give our players, coaches and staff the best opportunity to succeed, and we feel hosting training camp at our new home is the proper move for the organization and Vikings fans. We strongly believe it is important to make this announcement now so we can truly celebrate 52 years with our Mankato partners this summer.”"
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The final training camp in Mankato this year will be a special one, with these events planned to celebrate the long partnership with the team according to the team website:
- Vikings Lasting Legacy annual scholarship
- Commemorative Poster to every fan visiting Vikings Village
- Free Commemorative Training Camp “Playbook”
- Recognition Ceremony – Saturday, August 5
- Community “Thank You” Event – Monday, August 7
- Thanking training camp community partners with VIP experiences
Minnesota State Mankato President Richard Davenport gave his thanks to the Vikings for their longtime partnership:
"“On behalf of Minnesota State University, Mankato, I want to express a sincere thank you to the Minnesota Vikings for 52 years of training camp on our campus. As we prepare to celebrate the University’s 150th anniversary in 2018, it’s noteworthy to point out that we have been a Vikings partner for more than 1/3 of our institution’s history. We have greatly appreciated our relationship with the Vikings through the years, and we will cherish the memories. I invite fans from Minnesota and beyond to join us in enjoying one final Vikings training camp this summer at Minnesota State Mankato.”"
Next: Vikings 2017 schedule breakdown
This year’s final training camp in Mankato should be a special one for everyone in attendance. If possible, fans of the Minnesota Vikings should do their best to attend the festivities and join the celebration.