the Vikings training camp is coming to town. For the past 40-odd years, the Minnesota Vikings have held their training camp on the fields of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Last year, with the promise of public assistance (ugh!) the Vikings signed a 4 year contract to continue to hold their camp at MSU.
For the first time in the camp's 40-year history in Mankato, there will be a daily admission charge for anyone older than age 5.
That's not a big deal at all. Holding the camp requires resources, resources that have alternative uses and need to be compensated.
Admission to the Vikings Village not only includes the practice sessions but access to an interactive games area and an official program, both of which cost separately last year.
The interactive games are the same sorts of games I used to see on the University of Missouri campus when I attended economist school... throw footballs through inflated thingies, etc. I think I'll punt instead.
Last year, training camp officials touted the attendance increase seen at camp last year relative to the year before. This was in spite of new charges to attend many events. But let's not forget the reason why this happened: the demand for those events.
A year ago, scrimmages and joint practices with the Kansas City Chiefs were $20 for reserved seating, $12 for general admission and $8 for kids 6 and younger. The Chefs will not travel to Mankato this year.
I spent a day with #1 durable on one of the days when the Chefs were in town, and there were lots and lots of KC Chefs fans milling about. But with no scrimmages of this sort this year, don't be surprised if, all else equal, the traffic growth isn't there.