EAGAN, Minn. — Football is back with this week's opening of U.S. Bank Vikings Training Camp.
The Vikings are preparing for their eighth camp under Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, who is 64-47-1 in seven seasons in Purple.
Minnesota is looking to rebound from a disappointing 7-9 record in 2020. The Vikings return nearly every offensive starter from last season's impressive unit, while Minnesota revamped its defense with a host of big-name additions this offseason.
Here is some key information to know as training camp begins at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
Rookies are here, vets arrive Tuesday and all practice Wednesday
Rookies and select veterans reported Sunday. That group will be highlighted by left tackle Christian Darrisaw, the 2021 first-round pick who headlines an 11-man draft class.
The rookies and select veterans are scheduled to participate in non-padded practices and meetings on Monday and Tuesday.
The rest of the Vikings will arrive Tuesday for check-in day. That group will include notable names such as Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen on offense, as well as defensive stars Harrison Smith, Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks and Patrick Peterson.
After physical exams, a conditioning test and meetings, the entire team will participate in the first full-team practice at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. It is a non-padded session and the first that is open to fans. Tickets, including free and pay options, can be reserved here.
Unique sessionss
Minnesota's annual Night Practice at TCO Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. on July 31., and the team's first full-pads practice is expected to occur on Aug. 2.
The Vikings will also hold their first-ever team scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium at noon on Aug. 7. Tickets for that session — the first time football fans have been at the venue since Dec. 29, 2019 — are available for purchase here.
Minnesota will hold joint practices with Denver on Aug. 11 and 12 at TCO Performance Center. Former Vikings such as Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Boone are now with the Broncos. George Paton is now the Broncos General Manager after he spent the past 14 seasons in the Vikings front office.
Tickets for the joint practices and the Aug. 14 preseason between the Vikings and Broncos events can be ordered here.
Preseason games
Preseason games are back after they were not held in 2020 due to COVID-19, but only three are scheduled (excluding the Hall of Fame game) because the NFL opted to add a 17th regular-season game for all teams.
The preseason opener between the Vikings and Broncos is scheduled for 3 p.m. A simulcast by FOX 9 KMSP and KFAN 100.3-FM will air in market and be carried nationally by NFL Network.
Minnesota then will welcome Indianapolis for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Aug. 21. FOX 9 KMSP and KFAN 100.3-FM will also simulcast that game.
The Vikings wrap up their preseason slate on Aug. 27 on the road against the Chiefs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. In addition to the in-market simulcast, NFL Network will carry that game nationally.
Roster cutdown dates
Finally, a trio of notable dates will occur in mid-to-late August. Rosters for each team have a maximum of 90 players to begin camp. They must be trimmed to 85 on Aug. 17.
They must be cut to 80 players on Aug. 24 before setting the 53-man roster (and practice squad) on Aug. 31.
Minnesota opens the 2021 regular season on Sept. 12 in Cincinnati.
