Players have converged on Mankato for today's official start of this year's Vikings Training Camp.
It's an exciting time for fans and local businesses.
Some people have been waiting all year for this day, the start of Vikings Training Camp. Players don't even have plans to hit the field, but for fans that's okay because this is their chance to make a move and possibly get an autograph or two.
One by one the team members of the Purple and Gold rolled into Minnesota State University Mankato's Gage Towers and for the next three weeks fans will be pouring in from all over the country.
"I came from Nebraska simply because I want to see Vikings Training Camp," says Will Stein.
That's Will Stein. Just one diehard fan who says his love for Vikings is off the chart.
"On a scale from 1 to 10 I'm a 100," says Stein.
Fans aren't the only ones excited to see the Vikings come to town... so are local businesses.
Here at the AmericInn staff is working hard to prepare for the very busy next couple of weeks.
AmericInn Manager Stephanie Stack says, "Tonight we're sold out. Through the weekend we'll have a few rooms here and there but close to every night we'll sell out close to every night during camp."
The Clark family has been coming to Training Camp for years, despite the ups and downs the team has suffered.
"I'm optimistic," says father Dave Clark.
While people have been looking forward to this day all year, in reality it's just the kickoff to what Minnesotans are hoping will be a great season.
Friday players will have their first walk through practice from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Then at 2:45 they will have a helmet practice.
