Minnesota Vikings alumni will help celebrate the Vikings 50th consecutive training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn., the second-longest training camp streak in the NFL. A number of events are scheduled throughout training camp to commemorate the long-standing relationship between the Vikings and the City of Mankato.

Vikings alumni will help cater the first Vikings Taste of Mankato on July 31 in downtown Mankato. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample food and beverages from local restaurants in the heart of downtown on the 500 block of Front Street near Pub 500. Alumni will help serve food, sign autographs and share some of their memories of being in Mankato for training camp. Cost to attend the event will be $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under with all proceeds being split between the Vikings Children's Fund and a local Mankato charity.

A special sendoff for Mick Tingelhoff to Canton for the Hall of Fame ceremony will take place at the annual Saturday night practice on August 1. Prior to the 7:15 pm practice, coaches, current players and alumni will honor Tingelhoff, a 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, who participated in the first 14 Mankato training camps. Following the team practice, the Vikings will recognize Mankato for its efforts in the success of the Vikings training camps.

During the duration of camp, United Health Care will hold a non-perishable food drive at the entrance to Vikings Village. The goal of this year's drive is to collect enough donations throughout the three-week period to provide 50,000 meals in honor of the 50th anniversary. Monetary donations will also be collected.

On Friday, July 17, the Blue Earth County Historical Society opened an exhibit that features photos, news stories and other memorabilia collected throughout the 50 years the Vikings have called Mankato their summer home. The exhibit, running from now until September 4, is free and open to the public. 

To launch the team's arrival in Mankato, Greater Mankato Growth, Radio Mankato and the Vikings are inviting fans to gather in the grass in front of the student union to welcome back players and coaches. Players will arrive between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 25.