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EAGAN, Minn. (KMSP) - After more than 50 years of going to Mankato, Minnesota, this will be the first year Vikings players and fans will watch the team practice in their new training facility in Eagan, Minn.
Rookies report to training camp Tuesday and will participate in their first practice tomorrow. Veterans arrive on Friday and the first full-team practice is on Saturday.
This is the first training camp held at the Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center at the team’s new headquarters in Eagan. Fans can still attend, but now they need tickets. Most tickets are free, but there is a limited number available and some dates are already sold out. Fans should also be prepared to pre-pay for parking.
The new Vikings Museum will also be open during training camp. It features a 360-degree video theater, multiple interactive exhibits and hundreds of historical artifacts. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children.
While many are excited to see how the team gels with its new recruits, staff and players will be starting the season with heavy hearts following the unexpected death of offensive line coach Tony Sparano.
The 56-year-old was found dead in his home on Sunday, just a few days after a visit to the doctor where he reportedly complained about chest pains. An autopsy showed he suffered from heart disease and died of natural causes.
Sparano is being remembered on the scoreboard of the practice field during training camp. He was only in his third year with the Vikings, but spent nearly two decades coaching in the NFL.