Going to training camp first time, tips?

Hey planning on going to Sunday of training camp was wondering what the deal with parking is and what time I should be there if it starts at 9:15, am I going to have to be there super early to get a spot or are there usually a lot?. Never been down to Foxborough and driving down there from Maine.

I would get there at least 30 min early. Diehards will be there way before that to get front row for autographs though. Parking free right by the hotel/tower

Froob said:

Hey planning on going to Sunday of training camp was wondering what the deal with parking is and what time I should be there if it starts at 9:15, am I going to have to be there super early to get a spot or are there usually a lot?. Never been down to Foxborough and driving down there from Maine.

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Parking won't be a problem, but getting a spot to sit and watch will be unless you get there really early. On a Sunday, the stands and hillside will fill up very likely well before starting time. I'd arrive in the seating area at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start.

Have fun, Froob--and give us an update on what you take in.

Done it a few times Froob. Like everyone says get there early. Do CBS scene for lunch. Take the Hof tour after. Visit the trophy room to see the Lombardi's (thats my sig pic). Watch the movie as well. It'll send chills up your spine. Have fun man!

If your staying overnight (I've stayed at the marriot on site and offsite in N. Attleboro) Davios for dinner. Pricey but wow. Classy.

A couple of tips for all newbies going to TC,

1. Try and plan to go to practices when they wear pads. They are infinitely more interesting and competitive. The non-padded practices are modified walk through's

2. Bring binoculars if you want to see most of the one - one work with the linemen.

3. If your purpose is to watch practice and not position yourself to get an autograph you can generally show up on time or a little after practice starts and squeeze your way to a spot where you can stand at the top of the stands. I don't find stretching and the loosening up drills very interesting.

If you are coming with kids and need consecutive seats, then clearly get there early to get available seating.

4. If you only can get to a few, try and get to the ones when they train with another team. They are by far the best of the year.

5. Patriots.com will have a daily schedule of practice. Check it before you leave the house because sometimes the schedule changes.

6. Don't forget to pick up a free roster with all the player's numbers. Its about the only thing that's free.

7. IIRC they aren't allowed to wear pads for the first 3 practices, so I don't generally go to those, but they will the most heavily attended

supafly said:

Have fun, Froob--and give us an update on what you take in.

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Indeed I will! Hopefully get a first look at a few of these no name UDFAs that will make the roster.

patfanken said:

A couple of tips for all newbies going to TC,
2. Bring binoculars if you want to see most of the one - one work with the linemen.

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Sadly my only pair of binoculars are these

....although I might bring those

I hope you enjoy yourself at training camp Froob. Please be sure to give us an update with how things go at Gillette stadium my friend.

patfanken said:

7. IIRC they aren't allowed to wear pads for the first 3 practices, so I don't generally go to those, but they will the most heavily attended

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According to Howe, they are eligible to start practicing in pads on Saturday. Of course, who knows if they actually will or not on that specific day, but I thought I'd throw it out there since we were discussing the subject.

If you get there 1/2 hour before the start of practice Sunday you will be the 5,000th person in line. On good days at least 7,000 show up.

Watch from the aluminum bleachers on the sideline and not the hill, Aim for the 15-20 yard line towards the entrance. This is where they run most of the the plays.

The sun is going to beat on your back and your neck and head, I go thru 2- 24oz bottles of water- food is not allowed but you can bring in water.

As a previous poster said make sure you pick up a roster they will be at the tent that sells the Patriots football weekly, for a buck- if you are by yourself is good for passing the time. also the binoculars.

Bring water, camera, binoculars and take notes. I like the end zone hillside because you can move around, sit when you want and they usually run goal line plays right at you - cool perspective. Have fun and report your impressions.

supafly said:

According to Howe, they are eligible to start practicing in pads on Saturday. Of course, who knows if they actually will or not on that specific day, but I thought I'd throw it out there since we were discussing the subject.

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First practice is not open to public and usually includes the conditioning tests. Then two days open to public in no pads are the First 3 Sat they will most definitely be in pads.

Some folks like the stands (me) while others like the hillside EZ view (Mrs Bruschi). Bring water, sunscreen and a hat if you're a northern Euro. Little kids have fun at the Patriots Experience between the free parking and the practice fields. Bass Pro shop is another good take for Dads and little kids who like dioramas of moose, wolves, etc.

Binocs are really useful. I sit in the stands around the 20 yd line. Alone I can easily find an empty seat but then I don't come on crowded weekends.

High priced food & drink available as you approach the aluminum stands. Plenty of porta potties.