FanPost

Trainimg Camp/Pre-season game tour/DN day

We have many loyal Vikings fans from out of state. A plan is inthe works for a out-of towners trip to Minn. (Don't leave yet Minnesotans) Now, we don't have a pre-season schedule yet but, I am estimating if one of the 1st two games is at home it will be Aug 6 0r 13th weekend. Our hope is to have guys visit from out of area that have never been to Minnesota. We will take in camp and a relaxing weekend on lake Pepin on game weekend. We have 4 committed so far and a few who want to join up with us. Depending on quality and rates we will stay in Mankato or Waseca for 3 days of training camp. After camp breaks for the game we will travel a beautiful lodge in Wabasha and relax in a scenic small town Minnesota setting. This will be kind of a guys gathering. The Lodge is beautiful and we will be busy during camp so may stay lakeside in Waseca if the rates are good. The weekend will be the biggest cost. With 4 that 3 night weekend will run 150.00 each. That does not include the rates at the Mankato area motels but, those will be low key as camp will keep us busy. If you are a fan who is out of state and are serious about joining in, please write. If you are an in-stater and want to join in with a group at on, or bothe of the sites. Please write. The weekend at the lodge should be fun. We can fit 6 into the lodge. Our Mankato area stay is yet to be determened but you can rent a room with us there. There are 2 spaces left for the one lodge space but if any native Minnesotans want to stay with us in Kato or rent another room at the lodge in Wabasha we will work something out. We are hoping for one of the 2 key fan nights. Family night (scrimmage and fireworks) or fan appreciation day (climax of camp) I get a special disabled access to the players and can take one person each session as my assistant. So depending how many sessions there are, I will take a different person in with me each time. I have promised two of those to the guys who have already committed. Fan appreciation day has all players signing and long lines each day where positions are designated to do autographs. I have hints for getting jumps on that. We plan on having lots of fun. We want to designate one day DailyNorseman Day (with your blessing Chris) where if you can't join us long term, we can plan a couple days where a lot of us could meet and have lunch afterward. COSTS - (We are trying to make this easy) #1 - Once the game weekend is decided we will reserve our lodge. This will be paid for up front and you will send the $ to the lodge -not me. 6 guys and the rate will be incredibly cheap for such a high class place. We have a couple standby places that are nice to so we hope to reserve as fast as we can. 6 guys splitting will be cheaper. That cost is then covered (non refundable) #2 - Tickets We will get our seats as soon as available. #3 - As of now I have a local friend who will drive, pick up folks at the airport (We will pay for gas and chip in on his lodging) He is taking his time off work and car to shuttle us about. We have one more guy who is driving up so that makes 2 cars if needed. So as of now, no car rental. We just help the guys who provide the cars. #4 - Once our dates are set. Arrange and pay for your flight. As you see, most expenses will be paid for in time increments so by the time you come most costs have been covered far in advance. Cash for meals,We will eat in alot at the lodge so that'll be cheap and fun as we do it up our way. We will take in some things and a couple want to rent a boat. So by the time you come all you need is spending money and fees for the Mankato area motels. If any want to join us and rent a cheaper place near us in Wabasha or Mankato we will let you know the dates. I will check on other motels but if a few agree they want another lodge space with us we can see how many are interested. Maybe you want to take your family and just stay near us in Wabasha. Even tho this is "guys time" we want this to be a fun time. A drunken Gala is not the plan. (We'll pit stop at Slippery's for an evening brew or two but this can be something you can do in a separate room with your family and visit with the guys you have written with Finally - I am hoping ( and pretty sure ) I can arrange a lunch with a former Viking great my friend knows. That depends on his schedule at the time. But it is in the works. Like I said, we don't have exact camp and game dates yet. Once we get those we are going to start the ball rolling. Whether you want in on all or part let me know. Out of towners will get 1st preference but we will make plans to accomdate any who want to join us. An extra driver is nice if some want to split off to eat at a different time or head to the motel and rest but the main job is filled for airport taxi person. Training camp days are not a committed investment. The luxery weekend will be. We need to reserve and pay for that and game tickets as soon as we get the dates. If you plan on flying in HINT - Play the travel sites for a month and check their rates at different times and days. These change constantly. I have save up to 150.00 simply by hitting it at a certain day or hour of that day. I found Fridays - Mondays the worst as families plan vactions over weekends and business people have to arrange for various trips after a certain work week. Doesn't matter if it is even advanced. The airlines know the hot days to sell tickets. So play with it for a couple weeks. You'll have time. I know this is long and doesn't have all the answers but it does have the general plan.We'll keep you on an update list. When the final commitment time comes. Please jump in. Please let me know if you are an out of towner and planning on the whole week (a couple may stay on their own longer) or if you are a local who wants to join in full or part time. My main focus at the start will be accomodating, travelers but we will work as many in part time as we can. Those out of towners who want to extend their Minnesota stay (especially if there are 2 games in a row at home) I'm sure I will hang around an visit friends and family and will help set you up.

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