Training camp first time advice

Hi all,

First off thanks for reading.

I’m a big Pats fan from Ireland, married to a Mainer and currently living in the Middle East. I’ve lurked around PatsFans for the last 8 years or so, and was hoping to get some advice from all the posters I’ve enjoyed reading over that time.

I’ll be in the US for a few weeks from the end of July, and am planning to make it to training camp for the first time, probably either the first Saturday or Sunday. What advice would you give a rookie attendee? Any dos and don’ts, or things in particular to look out for? I’ll be bringing a 5 year old and a 2 year old as well, so I doubt I’ll get a chance to really take everything in, but it would be great to know how to make the most of the opportunity.

Thanks in advance

Prepare for the weather...get the forecast. It's HOT at the end of July. The Pats already have everything there you probably need...at a price of course. There's a bubble tent for the kids too if I'm remembering correctly. Bring sunglasses and binoculars if you can.

Do NOT yell "I love Roger Goodell!"..that won't end good.

Prepare for alternate plans, like going to the Patriots Hall of Fame. They only have one practice a day now (used to have two prior to the new CBA) and it can get cancelled or closed to the public at a moment's notice.

Practice can also be moved inside and you then will watch in the stadium (which can be cool or bleh, depending on your desire to see the team up close).

Welcome to Patriots Training Camp

The link has some info like maps etc which can give some idea of the layout.

Parking is free. No, really, it is. It gets crowded quickly, hence the binoculars suggestion by Joker. And, yeah, it gets hot and there is no cover from the sun.

If it cool and cloudy try to sit in the bleachers.. if really hot choose the "grassy knoll".

Bring your own water as it is something like $4.00 per...

I'm not Irish but I'm of Polish descent so we're probably similarly fair-skinned. My advice is SPF a billion.

And as others have said, prepare to be flexible. And enjoy!

Don't plan on purchasing beer. Used to be available, but no longer.

As a fellow Irishperson, I wear high SPF and a big hat. HOT in July.

Great venue for kids. They have a whole blow up park section for kids to play in.

Good advice to take advantage of Patriots Place stores & restaurants.

Just take the kids thru Bass Pro Shops to see all the scary fun stuffed animal dioramas, whales in the ceiling, etc.

Real young kids are not going to like sitting in the stands long so wait until practice is well underway and try to squeeze in somewhere around the 20 yd line. You'll miss warmup stretch and a few drills but you want to see them scrimmage.

Thanks everyone, great advice - much appreciated

Well, if this is your first time with Training Camp, then let me first extend my congratulations. My advice for your first time with TC is to stick with foreplay as long as possible. The fact of the matter is that you're going to suck the first time so you'll want to make good use of foreplay, not only for TC's pleasure, but to also make the whole session longer. TC also loves to have her nipples played with and twisted, so do plenty of that and you should be okay.

These ancient but honorable threads are of various vintage, so be forewarned that some responses may no longer be valid - but for the most part they should still apply.

From 2012: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...ads/pats-training-camp-best-day-to-go.925624/

From 2011: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...ir-first-visit-to-gillette-can-expect.796982/

From 2010: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/threads/training-camp-tips.352522/

From 2007: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...seeking-training-camp-autograph-advice.57964/

The two I went to last year filled up quickly and they did have to close the gates not long after warm ups (I fo believe they opened the stadium so people coukd watch from the ramps in the endzone closest in both cases). As mentioned, bring your own water/snacks as its the usual stadium highway robbery prices. A roster/program sheet is helpful discerning all the new faces and figuring out "who the hell just made that play?"

Good advice above. First off, Cowboy up. Find a guy selling Free Brady gear and dress accordingly.

They have a great kids area if you are bringing little ones.

Bring your camera - it's amazing to be so close to all these guys as they play football, including a few HOFers.

Take notes. Report back on this board what you see that impresses or concerns you. Those posts are among my favorite of the year and really help to get a feel for how the team will look as they get to cut down days.

Get the sheet with the player numbers they hand out to identify who's who.

A post-practice favorite is Toby Keith's BBQ at Patriot Place for a beer and some grub. Enjoy.

Be like Calm Mom in that one gif of people running in a year or two ago.

@APN and others: this may be helpful for you as well.

Everything you need to know about attending Patriots training camp


edit: somewhat redundant, but here is another similar article:

Fan Guide To 2016 Patriots Training Camp