The Vikings again will make 4,000 general admission seats available for training camp each dayVIKINGS
The Vikings' second training camp at their Eagan practice facility will be "open to fans for 16 full-squad practices, which is one more than the team had on its schedule" in '18, according to Ben Goesling of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The open practices keep the Vikings' training camp "among the league's most accessible, at a time when many teams are cutting back on their number of open training camp practices." Unlike last year, the team will "close its morning walk-throughs, as well as three days of practices for rookies at the beginning of camp, to the public." The Vikings will also "limit training camp autograph sessions to kids under 18, in an effort to ensure children get a better chance at meeting their favorite players." Another new measure is the "Helmet Hike," where a "group of children will get the chance to carry player' helmets from the locker room to the practice field and pose for a photo with a player." Like they did last year, the Vikings will "make 4,000 general admission seats available for training camp each day, selling 1,000 reserved seats to each practice." The reserved seats cost $20 last year, but will be "available for $15 this year on some days where the Vikings anticipate lower demand." General admission seats are free, but fans "must reserve tickets on the Vikings' website" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/21).
FAMILY FRIENDLY: In Chicago, Patrick Finley notes the Bears' 18th season holding training camp in Bourbonnais will "feature eight training-camp dates open to the public." Practice admission is free, but fans must "first obtain their tickets" on the team's website. Meanwhile, after taking last year off because of the team's participation in the Pro Football HOF Game, the Bears will "return to Soldier Field for Family Fest" at 7:00pm CT on Aug. 3 (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/21).
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY? In Atlanta, D. Orlando Ledbetter noted the Falcons are "set to have only eight open practices for training camp, the lowest total of teams in the NFC South, excluding the Saints, who will announce their training camp schedule in July." The Panthers will have 14 free and open practices for their fans, while the Buccaneers will have 11 (AJC.com, 6/20).
FREE FOR NOW: In DC, Thom Loverro notes Redskins fans next month can see the team practice in Richmond with "no admission charge." Redskins' training camp "has been a disaster for Richmond," though. City officials have "indicated they likely have no intention of renewing once their agreement with the team runs out" after '20 unless the team is "willing to make drastic changes in the deal." Unless the Redskins are willing to make those changes, "look for the Redskins to come home to Redskins Park for training camp in two years" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 6/21).
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: In Green Bay, Richard Ryman reported the Packers "will hold 16 public practices during training camp this year," including two with the Texans. That is "one more public practice than the team had" last year. The number of public practices has "varied over the last decade." The Packers again will "offer the fan-interactive Packers Experience during the first three days of training camp." Packers Experience "includes free special activities, live entertainment, alumni Q&As and football activities" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 6/19).
