For Minnesota Vikings fans, the long wait between the final whistle of one season and the first snap of the next is the hardest stretch of the year, although it helps that the National Football League makes almost everything an event, like the NFL Draft, schedule release, and more.

For me, however, nothing beats actual football being played, and there is always one event that signals football is right around the corner: the start of training camp. This year, the countdown is officially on.

The Vikings have released their full 2026 training camp schedule, and there is plenty for fans across Minnesota to get excited about.

Training Camp will once again be held at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan, the team's year-round home, with practices running from early August through the middle of the month.

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Camp Kicks Off With Back Together Weekend

The action begins Saturday, August 1, with what the team is calling Back Together Weekend: Saturday Edition.

According to the schedule, that opening day runs from noon to 5 p.m. with practice at 2:30 p.m., and it brings extra festivities, including Vikings Cheerleaders and SKOL Line performances, player autographs, and a new addition this year, folding in the team's Legends Weekend.

From there, daily practices roll out through the first half of the month. Most public sessions follow the same rhythm, with gates open from noon to 5 p.m. and the team hitting the field for practice at 2:30 p.m.

A Night Practice Under The Lights

One of the most popular dates every summer is the night practice, and 2026 is no exception.

The Leinenkugel's Night Practice is set for Sunday, August 9, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and practice beginning at 7 p.m. inside TCO Stadium.

The evening features Cheerleaders and SKOL Line performances, autograph football tosses, and a girls' flag football showcase, making it one of the more festive nights of the camp calendar.

Joint Practices With The Ravens Highlight The Back Half

The schedule's marquee football matchup comes near the end. The Vikings will reportedly host the Baltimore Ravens for joint practices on Wednesday, August 19, and Thursday, August 20, both running noon to 5 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. start.

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Joint practices have become a favorite for serious fans, offering a rare chance to see the team line up against another NFL roster before the preseason.

Here's The Full 2026 Practice Schedule

Here is the rundown of the currently scheduled public practice dates in Eagan. Unless noted otherwise, gates are open from noon to 5 p.m. with practice at 2:30 p.m.:

  • Saturday, August 1 (Back Together Weekend)
  • Monday, August 3
  • Tuesday, August 4
  • Wednesday, August 5
  • Friday, August 7
  • Saturday, August 8
  • Sunday, August 9 (Night Practice, gates 5 to 10 p.m., practice at 7 p.m)
  • Tuesday, August 11
  • Wednesday, August 12
  • Thursday, August 13
  • Monday, August 17
  • Wednesday, August 19 (Joint practice with the Ravens)
  • Thursday, August 20 (Joint practice with the Ravens)

How To Get Tickets

Admission to camp remains one of the better bargains in pro sports. General admission tickets run $10 for adults and $5 for kids 17 and under, while the night practice and premium options like the Omni Hospitality Tent and Leinie's Lawn carry separate pricing.

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According to the team, tickets become available to Season Ticket Members starting June 16 at 10 a.m. and then open to the general public on June 18 at 10 a.m., so fans hoping to lock in a specific date will want to be ready. Full details and the ticket link are available on the Vikings' official training camp page.

A Fresh Start

There is something about training camp that resets the optimism every year. The slate is clean, every team is undefeated, and the possibilities feel wide open.

After a disappointing season last year that found the Vikings out of the playoffs, the team is due for a rebound, with a new GM in place and notable player acquisitions, with the signing of Kyler Murray generating the most buzz.

The quarterback competition between Murray and JJ McCarthy will likely get the most attention, but there will be several storylines to follow as the Vikings work toward a Week 1 showdown against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Last Ten Quarterbacks Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

Gallery Credit: Bert Remien

Here Are The 12 Minnesota Vikings Kickers Since 1998

The Vikings certainly have had their fair share of kickers in recent years. Let's take a look back at who has kicked for the team since 1998.

Some of these guys may be better than you remember, but there are likely a few you'd like to forget.

Gallery Credit: David Drew

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