The Vikings open their first camp at their new 277,000-square-foot training facility in Eagan, Minn., about 18 miles south of Minneapolis.Minnesota Vikings
When the Minnesota Vikings opened their new 277,000-square-foot headquarters and practice facility in Eagan, Minn., this summer, they announced that 5,000 fans would be able to attend each practice session once training camp opened. Three-quarters of those attendees have enjoyed free admission, while about 1,000 fans each day reserve a seat for $20 in the Kwik Trip Red Zone section at the new 6,500-seat TCO Stadium.
No other team charges admission, although most of them require fans to order their tickets online, as most venues have a limited capacity.
The Oakland Raiders’ training camp practices in Napa, Calif., are not open to the public, although season-ticket holders and charity groups can attend select sessions by invitation only. The Philadelphia Eagles follow a similar policy, although the team does hold two open-to-the-public practices at Lincoln Financial Field, its regular-season home.
Daniel Snyder kicked up some dust in 2000 when he began charging a $10 admission fee to watch his Washington Redskins practice at their new facility in Ashburn, Va. The experiment lasted one preseason.
There is no league policy about charging for admission to practices or training camp, according to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy.
The Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks train in venues that are also part of the parent club’s ownership portfolio. Fourteen teams play in a facility that they operate but do not own.
