Players are scheduled to arrive at Minnesota State University, Mankato today for 2015 Verizon Vikings Training Camp.
That means one day remains until camp opens with a walk-through at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and practice at 2:45 p.m. In honor of the Vikings 50th training camp in Mankato, here's one post with 50 links to get you ready for camp.
We'll start with today's check-in, where fans are invited to greet 90 players in front of the student union between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is one of **several events** where fans can make special memories* *this year. They can also revisit past moments with a trip to the **Blue Earth County Historical Society’s** "Celebrating 50 Years of Vikings Training Camp: A Mankato Tradition" exhibit.
An incredible amount of logistics go into training camp, including relocation of weight equipment and football training devices from Winter Park to plans that keep things going smoothly and providing adequate supplies. This **infographic** breaks down how many Gatorade bottles help players stay hydrated.
If stats and information are your lifeblood, click **here** to download the 2015 Vikings Media Guide, a comprehensive publication produced by the Vikings public relations department. If shorter nuggets are more your style, make sure to follow **@VikingsPR*** *(if you are not already).
We previously posted the **full schedule for practices**, which will be highlighted by an evening practice Aug. 1 presented by Northland Ford Dealers in Blakeslee Stadium. Player introductions and fireworks will complete an event-filled day that also includes a junior training camp and junior cheerleading clinic.
Part of the evening will feature a ceremonious send-off to Canton for **2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame class member** Mick Tingelhoff, who will be enshrined Aug. 8. The Vikings **open the preseason** against the Steelers in front of a nationally televised audience on Sunday Night Football on Aug. 9.
Tingelhoff is the 13th player, coach or administrator to spend all or most of his career with the Vikings to be inducted. In case you missed it, Vikings Hall of Famers Paul Krause and Chris Doleman were part of a delegation that **visited Israel** this summer. Doleman also has been working to raise awareness on the issue of suicides by veterans by partnering with **Remembering the 22**.
Each year, training camps across the league are marked by **competition** for starting jobs and roster spots will occur during the preseason, but fans will also have a chance to compete in the first ever "**Miller Lite Baggo Tournament at Vikings Training Camp**." The friendly and fun competition for registrants, 21 and older, will feature prizes, Vikings tickets and VIP experiences.
Sunday's practice will be the first for the Vikings since they wrapped up organized team activities in June. Mike Wobschall (**@wobby**) had **22 observations*** *from OTAs, as well as a list of seven Vikings with **something to prove** at camp. You can also check out this photo gallery of **nine new Vikings** that could make an impact in 2015.
This month, Vikings.com has taken a position-by-position look at "Where We Stand" heading into camp (click **here** for a photo gallery of the roster):
The **2015 Vikings Team Guide** is chock full of bio information on players and coaches, as well as team history and records.
The Vikings 10-player draft class will be descending on Mankato for their first training camp. In addition to a solid spring offseason program, first-rounder Trae Waynes (**@TWaynes15**) and second-rounder Eric Kendricks (**@EricKendricks54**) put on a slugging display in a **home run derby*** *at Target Field. Earlier this month, I chose Waynes, who covered the outside and inside during the offseason program, as the Vikings player who might **benefit the most** from a fifth preseason game.
Anthony Barr (**@itheeayb**) and Teddy Bridgewater (**@teddybh20**) will be descending on Mankato for the second time. The 2014 first-round picks were recently listed by NFL.com as top "**Making the Leap**" candidates for 2015. Bridgewater enters this camp as the undisputed starter at quarterback, and there are **multiple factors** that could help Teddy 2.0.
One of those factors is the return of Adrian Peterson, who **mutually agreed** with the team this week on terms to restructure the remaining three years of his contract. The franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards and 2012 NFL MVP is gearing up for his ninth pro season.
Receiver Charles Johnson (**@MrInkredibleXII**) also made the "Making the Leap" list, **starting off the countdown*** *at No. 20. Johnson caught 31 passes for 475 yards and two touchdowns after joining Minnesota last September.
As for the defense, we took a look at two advancements made in 2014 and **two target areas** where the Vikings can improve in 2015.
This month marks the one-year-out mark until the completion of U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings celebrated by hosting a **tailgate** lunch for the 1,200 men and women working on the construction site. With U.S. Bank Stadium at 65 percent completion, the Associated Press *took a recent look at the venue's **innovative roof**. Here's a **month-by-month** list of more milestones to come. **@usbankstadium**was one of seven Twitter accounts we suggested for you **to follow** *in a camp countdown post. You can also bookmark **usbankstadium.com** (if you haven't already), where updates on progress of the stadium are regularly posted. Here's the **latest round** of updates.
As for tracking future months, the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders recently **unveiled their 2015-16 calendar**. In addition to **this video** of Kelsey reacting to the announcement that she is on the cover, she described her emotions **here**.
