Though the Vikings gave them a bit of a worry this year, Mankato business leader were glad to see them come into town nonetheless.
It's a well–known statistic, the estimated five million dollars that Vikings training camp brings to the Mankato economy every year.
Though it'll be a shorter stay this year, and the numbers are down slightly, business leaders maintain that camp provides a welcome boost.
Jonathan Zierdt says, "On any given day, there are hundreds of news stories across this country that contains words 'Training Camp Mankato.' And that means that people who would never hear of our community – do."
Sometimes for the first time, or second or third – that has a long–lasting impact that's really a big deal for the community."
Pub 500's Tom Frederick says, "You want to put your best face forward with visitors here. Just like when you have a guest in your home, you wan to take great care of them."
Business leaders wanted to give the Vikings a little thank you today in order to let the team know how much they enjoy their presence, and the fans that come along for the ride.
And the Vikings let them know the feeling was mutual.
Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier says, "We're excited, glad to see you here and look forward to seeing you hopefully having you out there every practice while we're here."
Rick Spielman, Vikings VP of Player Personnel says, "it was 100% from coach Frazier and our ownership that whatever we have to do to get to Mankato, because of how we're treated down here, and how much great work we get done down here when our players are away from all the distractions in Minneapolis – it really helps our ball club and if we get a couple of wins under our belt, it will be because of Mankato people."
And those 'Mankato people' hope the Vikings will keep the town in their game plan for years to come.
