Training Camp Questions

[dannydyn]

Hey folks,

I’ve never attended training camp, and am looking to attend a training sessions this summer for the first time.

Looking on the Patriots website, there are some dates listed with various events (first session, joint practices, Bruschi induction, etc.).
I have a few questions:

• Are these the only dates, or are they just ‘worth mentioning, important’ dates? Are there any other sessions that are open to the public but are not listed on the website?
• Is there a preferred/better session to be present at? Especially for getting up close for autographs, close up pictures, etc.?
• More/less crowded days that you know of?
• Any other tips you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

 

[Pats0204]

Hey folks,

I’ve never attended training camp, and am looking to attend a training sessions this summer for the first time.

Looking on the Patriots website, there are some dates listed with various events (first session, joint practices, Bruschi induction, etc.).
I have a few questions:

• Are these the only dates, or are they just ‘worth mentioning, important’ dates? Are there any other sessions that are open to the public but are not listed on the website?
• Is there a preferred/better session to be present at? Especially for getting up close for autographs, close up pictures, etc.?
• More/less crowded days that you know of?
• Any other tips you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

I went last year for the first time and will absolutely go EVERY year from now on. To answer your questions above, most of the days are open to the public and anyone can go. The dates they mention are as you said, "worth mentioning, important dates". The sessions are always always crowded but weekday practices are generally less crowded. I expect this year will be even more of a circus with the "Tebow" fanatics.

Usually, after every practice, one position group signs autographs. I was there last year with my 5 year old and was almost trampled as kids rush to the front rope to have players sign their stuff. I don't know if you have kids or are just planning on going by yourself but they really make the environment a fun one.

They have the "NFL Experience" there where kids can kick field goals and throw footballs, bounce houses. etc etc. Also, make sure to stop in to the Pro Shop and the "Hall at Patriots Place". Pretty cool stuff. As I said at the beginning, my son and I had a blast and will definitely be going every year going forward. It's a blast and you can really make almost a whole day of it. Hope this helps.

 

[signbabybrady]

• Are these the only dates, or are they just ‘worth mentioning, important’ dates? Are there any other sessions that are open to the public but are not listed on the website?

These are the dates that are scheduled now. They practice pretty much every day but there are rules to the number of double sessions and padded practices so the schedule is fluid. No way to know for sure if they will be in pads when you go but based on previous practice you can get an idea. Example the first two days cant be in pads (NFL mandated ramp up period) so you can bet good money the pads will be on for the first session after the ramp up.

• Is there a preferred/better session to be present at? Especially for getting up close for autographs, close up pictures, etc.?

A different position group signs after each practice. They are generally pretty accomadating especially for the kids but there are no guarentees you will get one and get the player you like. If you shooting for Brady I promise he will sign the first day and several other days just not sure which ones.

• More/less crowded days that you know of?

The first few days are usually mobbed. And most weekends too. Weekdays are usually lighter. Depending on how big your group is I find that a large portion of the crowd dont sit and watch the entire thing end to end and seats usually turn over. I live close by and I tend to go alot by myself and despite being a big guy I almost always find a spot to sit in the general area I like (mid field). But if you are a family of 5 I suggest getting there early to save seats.

• Any other tips you could share would be greatly appreciated.

They let you bring in a small bag with your own food and drinks so this can save alot on concessions. (No Booze though). There is very little shade so be prepared. Practice ramp up in tempo as they go on so while getting a seat requires being early you can easily skip an hour without missing much action. First few sessions of practice are walk throughs, warm ups, then individual drills. then they start to get into more fun stuff like 7 on 7s and 11 on 11s and more contact.

 

[dannydyn]

cool,

Thanks for all the info guys, appreciate it

 

[dreamsfloatjoe]

... I expect this year will be even more of a circus with the "Tebow" fanatics...

That would be members of the Internet, print, radio and television News media?

Pats 0204, great informative post. Thank you.

Have fun everyone!

 

[jmt57]

Hey folks,

I’ve never attended training camp, and am looking to attend a training sessions this summer for the first time.

Looking on the Patriots website, there are some dates listed with various events (first session, joint practices, Bruschi induction, etc.).
I have a few questions:

• Are these the only dates, or are they just ‘worth mentioning, important’ dates? Are there any other sessions that are open to the public but are not listed on the website?
• Is there a preferred/better session to be present at? Especially for getting up close for autographs, close up pictures, etc.?
• More/less crowded days that you know of?
• Any other tips you could share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

The responses above pretty much sum it up, but I will reiterate that yes, there positively are other practice dates that will be open to the public. The announcements of the time and dates were staggered last year and prior to that as well; the same holds true for this year.

As far as which dates you prefer to go to that's an individual preference, but most prefer a practice when the players are in pads as opposed to a walk through. Per the current CBA there can be non on-field work on the first day they report, though that is a moot point since that date is closed to the public anyway. In addition no contact is allowed until the fourth day, so those first two practices are going to be shells/walkthroughs as well. Keep in mind that there has to be at least one day a week in which there is no practice at all, and that there will be very few practices open to the public after the first preseason game.

I went last year to one of the final practices that was open to the public, and it was a great experience. With just a minor amount of preparation (hat, sunscreen, water) you should have a good time; if you have binoculars bring them (especially helpful to see what may be going on in the third field).



Fan guide to 2012 Patriots training camp -- Boston.com

Training Camp Reporting Rules Chart | NFLPlayers.com
NFL Camp Rules Aim to Reduce Wear and Tear on Players - New York Times

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

A daily or more often check of Patriots.com is needed as times and availability sometimes changes from the earlier posted schedules. Per the above map you can sit in aluminum bleachers alongside one field (~20-25 yd line is my fav) or instead on the hillside grass behind that EZ. Water, sun hat, sunscreen. Cameras allowed. Sports binocs helpful. Pick up your free player number roster at the booths as you approach the seats. Parking free. Porta potties. Beer & food is expensive.

P.S. Bring earmuffs to place over kids ears when Brady throws a pick

 

[BennyBledsoe]

So structured and rigid. Sounds...bleh. When it was at Bryant, you could get anybody to sign, not just a position group.

Not many rules. Much more personal.

 

[patfanken]

The only thing I would add or reiterate is the following.

1. Bring Binoculars if you have them, it will greatly add to your enjoyment as you can see things in much more detail and more of the field

2. If you can only come a few days, try to plan to be there when they will be practicing with another team. I think they are scheduled to have some joint practices with the Eagles this year. Those will be the practices with the most action of the TC

3. Don't miss the Hall at Patriot Place, especially if you are coming with kids, as well as the NFL experience.

4. Don't worry about coming late. The first 20-30 minutes of practice are given to stretching and warm up drills, which is akin to watching paint dry.

 

[PP2]

A different position group signs after each practice. They are generally pretty accomadating especially for the kids but there are no guarentees you will get one and get the player you like. If you shooting for Brady I promise he will sign the first day and several other days just not sure which ones.

As far as Brady, I'd caution you not to get your hopes high- on the rare occasion he does sign, he moves relatively fast and signs once every 10 feet, and of course there is always a mob that forms (more than for any other player). Do not place yourself in the path of a teen girl making for Brady like I did, or you will suffer unholy wrath.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

So structured and rigid. Sounds...bleh. When it was at Bryant, you could get anybody to sign, not just a position group.

Not many rules. Much more personal.

Look. We all know Bryant was the bomb. Close up and personal. But with the success of the franchise...

Besides I could not care less about autographs. But then, I'm not a teenager.

 

[BennyBledsoe]

It's not that so much as the loss of the fun element. The visceral thrill of being right near the action, being able to engage guys in decently long conversations. That's all I really mean.

 

[Joker]

I had a press pass, credentials the whole nine back when Parcells ran the show at Bryant. I had a site called the War Zone and made daily reports of camp goings on right from the press tent. I mean, IMAGINE that today? Bryant was the best and I'll bet that most of you old war horses who went there frequently ran across my path more than once. There was always groups of us hard core fans taking notes, pics, talking to players on the way in and out after practice...it was heaven.

These days it's like you're just a piece of cattle to be herded and fed what they want to feed you , I still enjoy it but it's far more shallow of an experience than it was a few decades back. Progress...heh.

 

[patman52]

1. Always go online or call the TC number the day you want to go.
2. Try to go the day after a day that they practiced in shells, it is much more likely they will be in pads.
3. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
4. The line at the gate starts almost 1 1/2 hours before camp, If you go by yourself or don't mind if your group sits in different rows you can leave your car 1/2 hour before camp and still sit in a good area.
5. Your best chance for an autograph is to get low in the stands towards an isle.
6. I always go for a seat around the 20yd line towards the gate, about the 3rd or 4th ramp.
7. Bring water and plenty especially if it is sunny, you bake. The benches suck on your ass, A towel and Binoc are required., get the pro football weekly (only $1) and the paper roster. It will help pass the time.
8, If you take a kid, the pennants are cheap and get there 2 hours before so they can do all the kid things or go to bass pro shop to cool down.

 

[bloodymaryj]

Joker, do you still report after each practice?? Does anyone?? I would love to go, but we'll see- Depends on their schedule, which at the moment there are only a very few practices open to the public at the end of July, but is that the beginning when they are not in pads??? Trying to figure it all out- My vacation runs from last weekend in July to Aug 11. I would like to go to a pre-season game (I figure that's the only time I'll get to see Tebow actually play) or is it better to go to practice??? Appreciate the info

 

[Joker]

One of the members here ,I forget his handle because I'm senile, started taking pics and vids and posting links after every practice he goes to. We all sorta came to the agreement that HE is the de facto preseason multimedia provider.

But for you,I'd suggest, if you are able to attend,definitely GO to the practices open to the public. Stay tuned here to find out when they will be in pads, because padded practices are far more indicative than the shells only sessions...that is, IMO. Others have different tastes.

The Pats first preseason home game is the 16th so you will miss that, but you will certainly be able to get a lot of good looks at the team and Tebow during your vacation time frame.Here's the preseason schedule write-up..

Patriots 2013 Preseason Opponents Announced

check with this board frequently as August approaches....plenty of Pats fans that are presently not here will be checking in and making plans. There is a thread here somewhere that lists a number of suggestioons, from what to wear to shade and , most importantly, refreshment. It's hot at these sessions. You'll need plenty of cool water at the very least.

 

[bloodymaryj]

Thanks Joker-

 

[signbabybrady]

I used to give detailed reports of the ones I went too and I went to alot. I lived in Foxboro so I used to beat the bloggers but I don't get to as many now and the bloggers are quicker now. But I still provide my insight when I go as we all should.

 

[Joker]

we can't use cameras though, right?...what about our cell phones?

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

So structured and rigid. Sounds...bleh. When it was at Bryant, you could get anybody to sign, not just a position group.

Not many rules. Much more personal.

I went to the Bryant practices almost every year and, at least toward the end, only a few players would sign at a specially designated area.

The Bryant practices were great....I remember one John Hanna incident in particular....