The Vikings training camp practices in Mankato were conducted without quarterback Brett Favre present and with a pretty consistent heat throughout. But neither kept fans away.

The team attracted 64,000 fans to Mankato during the 13 days of practices -- there were 24 sessions total -- which was a 20 percent increase over a year ago.

The top attendance came on the opening Saturday night as about 7,000 fans showed up for a practice that was mostly held inside Blakeslee Stadium and was followed by fireworks. That was believed to be the biggest crowd for a single event at training camp in several years.

On Aug. 5, a Thursday, the practices at Minnesota State Mankato drew 6,500 fans and a day later 4,500 fans were in attendance. Only the morning practice last Tuesday had to be moved inside Myers Field House because of rain.