EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings will need to pack for a longer stay in the dorms at Minnesota State University in Mankato this season.
Minnesota announced its 2012 training camp dates on Wednesday, and the team will be in Mankato for three full weeks, its longest training camp since a three-week stay in 2008. The Vikings, who will hold their camp in Mankato for the 47th straight season, will have players report July 26. The team will break camp Aug. 16, a day before its second preseason game at home against the Buffalo Bills.
In recent seasons, the Vikings would leave Mankato right before their first preseason game and continue practices at the team's facilities at Winter Park in Eden Prairie. Instead, Mankato fans will get a longer look at the team this year. Practice sessions at Winter Park are closed to the public.
Last year, Minnesota was on the field and in front of the public from Aug. 1-11 as the NFL lockout shortened camp. This year's full practice schedule and fan-related activities will be released at a later date.
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