Are You Ready for Some Football? Get a Preview at NFL Training Camp

Are you one of the millions of professional football fans who can't wait for the official start of the season? If so, you may consider getting a "preview" of the season by visiting your team's training camp. In many cases, the teams train near home, so you can plan a long weekend around getting to see the players up close and personal. Most training camp locations are surrounded by hotels and motels that cater to fans. This year, more than ever, lodging facilities are offering room discounts to make the trips even more appealing.

You can observe your team's players as they gear up for the season and watch their grueling training regimen. Many people are surprised to learn that most training camps offer much more to do. For example, the Baltimore Ravens' Training Camp, located in Westminster, MD will give more than 90,000 fans the opportunity to watch practice games, participate in interactive areas and to attend autograph sessions. Ravens' rookies begin training on July 21st, while the veteran players report July 23rd.

Rookies and veterans alike of the Cincinnati Bengals will report to camp on July 27th. Though there is no admission price to attend practice sessions, there is a parking fee: $15 per car; $25 for RVs and buses. The Bengals train at Georgetown University in Kentucky. Autograph sessions, "meet and greets" and fan football games are all a part of the fun you can find here. No alcohol is allowed on the premises; concession stands are located throughout the camp.

The Miami Dolphins' vets and rookies will report to training camp on July 25th. This will be the first year training camp will be directed by new Head Coach, Tony Sparano. Practice sessions will begin on July 26th - one of 20 sessions which are opened to the Dol-Fans this summer. Seating is available (bleacher-style) for the first 2,000 fans. Practices are held in Davie, FL at the team's Southeastern University training facility. The last open practice for the general public will be held on Thursday, August 14th. On days when the Dolphins hold two practices, morning sessions begin at 9:00 a.m.; afternoon sessions begin at 5:00 p.m. On days with a single workout scheduled, practice begins at 2:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Da Bears (Pride of the Windy City) will begin training on July 23rd at the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL (a southern suburb of Chicago). All Bears' fans are invited to observe the "Monsters of the Midway" at a practice game on Friday, August 1st (7:00 P.M.) during "Family Night" which will take place at historic Soldier Field.

The 'Pack is Back' … but will Favre return? The Greenbay Packers will begin their first training camp practice of 2008 on the morning of July 28th - all players report to camp the day before. Wisconsin natives are serious about their football and it shows! Training camp activities now stretch well beyond practice sessions when fans visit Titletown. From late July through late August fans can enjoy a five-week event that includes daily themed activities, on-site interactive games, community events and a number of sponsored giveaways. In 2005, Sports Illustated listed the Packers' training camp as one of the best in the NFL, also awarding it the title of "One of summer's essentials".

The Houston Texans training camp is opened to fans beginning on Saturday, July 26th at the Methodist Training Center. Free tickets are available (beginning July 9th) at Wachovia Financial Centers in the greater Houston area. Tickets are limited to six per person, per practice. Fans are invited to watch practice sessions as well as participate in interactive areas throughout the practices, such as Fan Zone. Texans Cheerleaders and Texans Ambassadors will be available during practice sessions for autographs. Parking is free.

The San Francisco 49ers will report for the 2008 Training Camp on July 24th. The first practice will be held on the 25th at the 49ers headquarters in Santa Clara, California. A total of eight practice sessions will be opened to the public in 2008. Each open practice will feature interactive inflatable games, photo ops with the Super Bowl trophies, Gold Rush Cheerleaders, 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam, sponsor booths and player autograph sessions. Tickets are available online only when you register at their website.

If you do not see your favorite team, please click here for a complete list of teams, training dates and activity information.

---