EAGAN, Minn. – And just like that, we're one month away from Verizon Vikings Training Camp.
This year marks the first time that Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center will host training camp, which kicks off its first practice session on Wednesday, July 25.
Here are six reasons to get excited about 2018 Verizon Vikings Training Camp:
1. Vikings, Jaguars to hold joint practices
This year's training camp will offer a unique experience for fans when the Jacksonville Jaguars arrive in Minnesota to participate in joint practices.
The Vikings are set to host the Jaguars at U.S. Bank Stadium for Preseason Week 2. Leading up to the game, the two teams will practice together on Wednesday, Aug. 15 and Thursday, Aug. 16, in Eagan. Both sessions will be open to the public, and fans can reserve free, general admission tickets or purchase reserved seating for $25.
The Vikings and Jaguars will face off at noon (CT) on Saturday, Aug. 18.
Minnesota and Jacksonville are coming off appearances in their respective conference championship games, and each team features a dynamic defense. The teams last met in Week 14 of the 2016 season, when the Vikings defeated the Jaguars 25-16 on the road.
A limited number of $20 tickets are available to see the Vikings and Jaguars at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 18. Click here and enter promo code "JAX" to purchase.
2. An early look at new Vikings faces
The Vikings had an active offseason, adding a number of new faces to the roster.
Minnesota hired Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo as its new offensive coordinator and made a pair of significant free agent signings in QB Kirk Cousins and DT Sheldon Richardson.
Cousins recently sat down with Vikings.com's Mike Wobschall and discussed his transition into Minnesota’s offense, including building a rapport with returning receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
"We learn from one another, and that dialogue's been fun," Cousins told Wobschall. "We just have to continue to tighten things down so that by Week 1, there's no more guessing game, no more discussion. It's decided, and we're ready to go."
Other Vikings moves in free agency included deals with G Tom Compton and WRs Kendall Wright and Tavarres King. Additionally, the Vikings 90-man roster includes 27 first-year players – 19 signed as rookie free agents and eight draft picks, including the No. 30 overall pick, CB Mike Hughes.
Verizon Vikings Training Camp will offer fans a chance to see the newest Vikings in action.
3. Night practice in new setting
A fan-favorite event is making the move from Minnesota State University, Mankato, to TCO Stadium.
On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Vikings will hold their annual evening practice. The day will start off with a morning walk-through and culminate in a full-pads practice from 7-9:30 p.m.*
Click here to view the full schedule for Verizon Vikings Training Camp.
*Note: All dates, times and practice types are subject to change.
4. A look at the Vikings headquarters
Verizon Vikings Training Camp will offer fans a look at not only their favorite players but also at the state-of-the-art TCO Performance Center.
Coaches, players and staff moved into the team's new headquarters in March, but the grounds will be in action and on display to approximately 5,000 fans per day throughout training camp. Fans will get an up-close view of the facility itself while enjoying the pristine practice fields and TCO Stadium.
5. Vikings Museum scheduled to open
Along with reserving tickets for Verizon Vikings Training Camp, fans also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Vikings Museum, which is slated to open next month.
The museum will offer exhibits and experiences for fans of all ages. From historic, one-of-a-kind artifacts to digital displays and fun photo ops, work your way through Vikings football history while learning more about the franchise.
6. Vikings football is back!
You've been waiting for the return of Vikings football for five-plus months, and the Verizon Vikings Training Camp signals the start of a new season.
Eighteen days of ticketed practices are scheduled to be open to the public, culminating with the Vikings-Jaguars joint practices on Aug. 15 and 16.
The Vikings will play preseason games on Aug. 11 (at Denver), Aug. 18 (vs. Jacksonville), Aug. 24 (vs. Seattle) and Aug. 30 (at Tennessee) before kicking off the regular season at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9.
Note: All fans attending Vikings Verizon Training Camp must have a ticket. For more information on schedule and ticketing, visit Vikings.com.
