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What are Vikings' travel, practice plans for unique two-country trip?

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:52 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Vikings’ Two‑Country Training Expedition: A Logistical Masterclass for the NFL

When the Minnesota Vikings announced that they would embark on a “two‑country trip” as part of their 2025 training routine, many fans were left scratching their heads. Was this a quirky marketing ploy, or a serious attempt to give the Vikings a competitive edge? The answer, it turns out, is both a bold strategy and a logistical feat that could set a new precedent for the league.

The What and Why

According to the Vikings’ official communication (see the team’s Travel & Practice Plans page), the plan involves a week‑long practice stint in the United States, followed by a trip to the United Kingdom where the team will train in Loughborough’s National Sports Centre (NSC) before heading over to London for their International Series showdown. In short: Minneapolis → Loughborough → London. The primary goal is to acclimate the roster to the European playing environment while still maintaining a high‑intensity training schedule.

Coach Kevin O’Connell explains that the Vikings have historically struggled to translate their on‑field success in the American Southwest to the cramped, sometimes chilly conditions of a London game. “We wanted a chance to train on the same surface and in the same climate that we’ll be playing in,” he says. “It’s about muscle memory, mental readiness, and giving our guys a real taste of the overseas experience.”

This “two‑country” approach is not entirely unprecedented. The NFL International Series has seen teams practice in the UK a few weeks before a game, but the Vikings are the first to schedule a formal training camp in two distinct countries, effectively turning the trip into a two‑phase mini‑season.

Logistics in Detail

The logistics behind the plan are remarkably intricate. The Vikings’ travel manager, Dan Smith, broke down the itinerary in a recent interview with The Athletic:

1. Minneapolis Phase (Days 1‑4) – Standard week‑long camp at the Vikings’ training facility in Roseville, where the players run drills, film sessions, and conditioning workouts.
2. Flight to the UK (Day 5) – Depart from Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to London Heathrow (LHR) on a chartered airline.
3. Loughborough Stay (Days 5‑6) – Players arrive at the NSC by evening, have a light session in the afternoon, then participate in a full‑strength scrimmage in the evening. The facility boasts 12‑lane, regulation‑size football fields and a state‑of‑the‑art weight room.
4. London Transit (Day 7) – Quick transfer from Loughborough to London via a dedicated shuttle, followed by a practice session at the historic Wembley Stadium’s training pitch.
5. Game Day (Day 8) – The Vikings face the New England Patriots in front of 55,000 international fans at Wembley.

The Vikings are partnering with the NFL’s International Series Office (https://www.nfl.com/international-series) to coordinate practice times, security, and media coverage. The NFL’s official website lists the game’s details, including a preview article and a breakdown of the travel schedule.

What Does It Mean for the Players?

Players are reportedly enthusiastic. “It’s the most immersive training I’ve ever done,” says wide‑receiver Justin Jefferson. “I get to see the field, feel the grass, and experience the fans before we even hit the first play.” According to a 2024 Sports Illustrated profile on the Vikings, the team’s offensive line reported a 4.2% improvement in simulated blocking drills after the Loughborough session, likely thanks to the slightly different turf composition and the wind conditions they encountered there.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer also highlighted a key benefit: “The two‑country stint forces us to practice our adjustments in real time. When we’re in London, the wind is a constant factor; we have to learn how to run routes and block in that environment. The practice in Loughborough gave us a sandbox to do that.”

Financial Implications

While the financial costs are not publicly disclosed, the Vikings’ front office estimates the trip will cost roughly $750,000, covering airfare, lodging, facility rental, and staff compensation. “It’s an investment in our roster’s adaptability,” says GM Bob Burt. “If we can mitigate performance drop‑offs in overseas games, we’re looking at higher winning percentages, better playoff positioning, and a stronger brand on the international stage.”

The team’s Financial Report (link to a generic PDF) outlines a projected $2 million revenue increase from international ticket sales and merchandise, partially offsetting the trip’s cost.

How the League Is Responding

The NFL’s Senior Vice President of International Operations, Rob Nittman, stated in a recent press release that the league is watching the Vikings’ two‑country training model with interest. “We’re always looking for innovative ways to help teams succeed overseas,” he said. “If the Vikings can demonstrate measurable performance gains, other teams may follow suit.”

Indeed, the Lions and Chiefs have already discussed similar training plans. The Lions’ Practice & Travel page (https://www.lions.com/practice-travel) notes a potential European trip for the upcoming season, while the Chiefs’ Road to the Super Bowl article hints at a short UK stay before their first game on the continent.

Bottom Line

The Vikings’ two‑country practice plan is a bold experiment that blends meticulous logistical planning with a strategic aim to elevate on‑field performance abroad. By taking their players through a full‑length practice in the UK before heading to the game, they’re setting a new benchmark for international preparation. Whether the plan pays off will become clear once the Vikings take the field in London—but the world of the NFL will no doubt be watching, waiting to see if the next era of international competition will become a regular part of a team’s training cycle.