Vikings fans beat the heat at training camp

Vikings fans were not able to attend last year’s training camp because of COVID-19. For many visitors, Wednesday was the first time seeing their favorite team in person since the 2019 season.

Fans said they’re thrilled but hot.

Vikings fan Harrison Rauch’s message to the team: "Go Vikings!"

"It’s fun and I really want to see it," Vikings fan Deacon Buckingham said about training camp.

"Honestly, it’s just nice to be able to do some normal things, so, I feel good!" Cambridge resident and Vikings fan Todd Buckingham added.

"It’s going to be fun but the trick is just to stay hydrated," Andre Thomas, a promotor for Renewal by Andersen, said.

Whether you’re like Andre Thomas working on the first day of Vikings training camp or just out for a day of adventure with the family like the Rauchs, there’s lots of excitement, despite the heat!

"We are used to the humidity, I guess, so, it’s been that way all summer, so if we are going to spend it outside there’s no better place than the training camp," Martin Rauch said.

Harper Rauch’s favorite part about camp is, "Doing all of the fun stuff."

From taking a stab at curling for the day to trying the bean bag toss and enjoying music, all while trying to stay cool, Vikings fans were taking in all of the action at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan as the team prepares for its upcoming season.

"It’s definitely hot on the bus but we’ve got a ton of ice-cold waters…It’s great that people are coming out here and staying hydrated, and the excitement to watch the Vikings is awesome, and we are just happy to be a part of it," said David Brunette, chef of the Minnesota Vikings Foundation’s Food Truck.

And they’re taking the high temps and humidity in stride.

"If it’s going to be hot, there’s no point in being miserable and hot," Thomas said.

Beverage sales from the Vikings Foundation Food Truck will go directly back to the foundation, which is working to serve youth facing food insecurity challenges.