MikesVikes Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Ticket plan invites opponents to watch Vikings Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune July 19, 2005 VIKE0719 Barring an unlikely exemption from the league office, the Vikings will be the only NFL team required to admit opposing scouts to all of its training camp practices this summer. That circumstance stems from the recent decision to charge admission for all practice sessions at Minnesota State, Mankato. The NFL typically bans scouts from attending practices -- even sessions that are free and open to the general public. For competitive reasons, scouts can only attend events to which the public must purchase tickets. Nearly all NFL teams charge admission for signature camp events such as intrasquad scrimmages, but the Vikings are the only team planning to charge for all 30 scheduled practices. Tickets range from $5 to $20 per person, depending on the day and event, in addition to a $2 parking fee. Charging selectively allows teams to "hold back" any sensitive plays, formations or game-situation scenarios for free practices, where scouts cannot see them. However, the Vikings' ticket policy eliminates those "dark" practices. The competitive impact of the situation is unclear; even "dark" practices are open to fans and media. It is enough, however, that the Vikings have petitioned the NFL to exempt them from the rule, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The Vikings' case rests on the interpretation of a small patch of grass behind one end zone along Stadium Road. There, fans can watch practice through a chain-link fence at no charge. An NFL spokesman on Monday did not comment on the Vikings' contention but pointed to the clear wording of the rule as stated in the NFL Game Operation Manual: "... Club personnel or their representatives may not attend or view another club's practice sessions without permission unless an admission charge for the general public is made for the practice." Team officials declined comment Monday, citing the uncertain nature of their appeal. As part of an agreement signed under previous owner Red McCombs, the Vikings are positioned to become the second team in NFL history to charge admission for all training camp practices. The other instance came in 2000, when the Washington Redskins charged $10 for fans 13 and up and another $10 for parking. Amid complaints from fans and several weather-related scheduling changes, the Redskins scrapped the policy after one year. Washington owner Daniel Snyder, who instituted the fees to recoup infrastructure costs related to expanding the team's practice facility, later called the policy "clearly a mistake." This spring, the Vikings signed off on a ticket price structure generated by Greater Mankato Training Camp, LLC, a nonprofit organization contracted to run training camp. According to a four-year deal signed by both parties in 2004, the company will cover all Vikings expenses in training camp as well as provide the team a percentage of its revenue. Paul Wilke, the company's president, said last week that the daily ticket sales were necessary to meet its contractual obligations with the Vikings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted July 19, 2005 Author Share Posted July 19, 2005 (edited) Most of the times when I go to camp, they have personnel watching the crowd to see if any of them are taking notes. I've been involved in a stare down with Scott Studwell before because I was holding a portfolio that had paper the kids were going to use for autographs after practice. He thought that I looked like a scout. I've also seen actual scouts taking notes on every play/player during scrimmages with the KC Chiefs. They've always charged for those events. Now those dudes will be at every practice. You can say that Danny Boy was a money grabbing fella for taking the cash a few years back. But what about the Vikes for not learning about past mistakes? That's stupid. Edited July 19, 2005 by MikesVikes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 I'd say that our new Vikings Owner is either showing his ignorance, his greed, or his inability to lead. And further, I'd say that with Tice being just a tad shy of genius, he needs as much of an advantage as he can get with "dark" practices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 That was a Danny Snyder move too to charge admission. And NFL rules basically say that if admission is not charged, other teams personnel are not allowed to watch another teams practice. But if admission is charged, another teams staff may watch for the price of admission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 this was a red move and its the city of mankato that is charging... zig cant get out of it if he wanted unless he pays off the city of mankato Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundaynfl Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Looks like things remain the same with the Vikings... Do you think Tice will be focusing on practice or out in the parking lot scalping tix..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Jack Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 I'd say that our new Vikings Owner is either showing his ignorance, his greed, or his inability to lead. And further, I'd say that with Tice being just a tad shy of genius, he needs as much of an advantage as he can get with "dark" practices. 884821[/snapback] It has nothing to do w/ the new ownership...and actually not a lot to do w/ the vikings (Tice)...except for signing a lousy contract...its some company called the Mankato Training Camp LLC...which was formed by the univeristy (who hosts the team on its fields) and the city...so they decided they needed to charge admission for all the sundry stuff they put up around the TC facility to keep people entertained...its a mess but the vikings are actually opposed to it...they just can't change it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 this was a red move and its the city of mankato that is charging... zig cant get out of it if he wanted unless he pays off the city of mankato 885075[/snapback] It has nothing to do w/ the new ownership...and actually not a lot to do w/ the vikings (Tice)...except for signing a lousy contract...its some company called the Mankato Training Camp LLC...which was formed by the univeristy (who hosts the team on its fields) and the city...so they decided they needed to charge admission for all the sundry stuff they put up around the TC facility to keep people entertained...its a mess but the vikings are actually opposed to it...they just can't change it... 885086[/snapback] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexgaddis Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Mike Tice is quite possibly the greatest coach in the NFL today...that stubby little pencil will be in the hall of fame someday... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellab Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 It has nothing to do w/ the new ownership...and actually not a lot to do w/ the vikings (Tice)...except for signing a lousy contract...its some company called the Mankato Training Camp LLC...which was formed by the univeristy (who hosts the team on its fields) and the city...so they decided they needed to charge admission for all the sundry stuff they put up around the TC facility to keep people entertained...its a mess but the vikings are actually opposed to it...they just can't change it... 885086[/snapback] I guess Sioux Falls wasn't such a bad idea after all. They were happy to get the sales tax revenue. Mankato is going to shoot themselves in the foot in my opinion. Once the construction starts on the new stadium they will be asking for bids for holding training camp again. I hope Sioux Falls gets it this time. Two hours closer to see training camp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted July 19, 2005 Author Share Posted July 19, 2005 Ziggy will probably build a team complex/stadium combo and keep the team out of Mankato. Good for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedroz13 Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Mike Tice is quite possibly the greatest coach in the NFL today...that stubby little pencil will be in the hall of fame someday... 885097[/snapback] "I'm picking up your sarcasm....." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outshined Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Yup - he has said that a few times already. He wants the training facility near the stadium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 Yup - he has said that a few times already. He wants the training facility near the stadium. 885287[/snapback] if and when the get out of that phucken dome im getting tickets... played int he sucker and watched games in it and it has to be the worst place to play football and baseball..... and concert suck there 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE SIX KINGS Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 if and when the get out of that phucken dome im getting tickets... played int he sucker and watched games in it and it has to be the worst place to play football and baseball..... and concert suck there 2 885326[/snapback] Well put.......... I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moss6 Posted July 19, 2005 Share Posted July 19, 2005 (edited) It has nothing to do w/ the new ownership...and actually not a lot to do w/ the vikings (Tice)...except for signing a lousy contract...its some company called the Mankato Training Camp LLC...which was formed by the univeristy (who hosts the team on its fields) and the city...so they decided they needed to charge admission for all the sundry stuff they put up around the TC facility to keep people entertained...its a mess but the vikings are actually opposed to it...they just can't change it... 885086[/snapback] Newbie Newbie Newbie- This was all Red. He put the camp up for bid. Duluth, Sioux Falls and Mankato were the final three. Contract is that Mankato picks up the cost of camp and sends back some of the revenue to the Vikings The camp charged for some of the kids area things and the test your skills events. They just had to employ more people to take everyone’s nickels & dimes last year that they just made it one fee at the door this year with the Vikings Blessings. See Ya Red, don't let the 600 million hit you in the arse Edited July 19, 2005 by Moss6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 Vikes drop plan to charge training camp admission Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune July 21, 2005 VIKE0721 There will be no admission charge for Vikings training camp after all. New Vikings owner Zygi Wilf has agreed to cover the cost of tickets, according to an agreement announced today by the company that manages camp. Wilf will make up the revenue shortfall with Greater Mankato Training Camp, LLC, and also cover the cost for interactive games in the Vikings Village area. As a result, opposing scouts will be barred from all but three Vikings practices this summer. As in previous years, the three night scrimmage events will require a paid ticket for admission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Scorp Posted July 20, 2005 Share Posted July 20, 2005 Already Ziggy has proven to be "fan friendly". Great PR move for the Vikings and horrible PR for the city of MooKato!! I think Red probably gave his blessing for the camp charge and then when he sold the team, Mankato got stuck holding the bag. I heard that part of their bid included the possibility of recouping losses by charging for practices. Sounds like they are still going to charge for parking. I personally would not have attendend TC if they had charged! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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