Training camp tips?
 

I'm planning on taking the wife and kids to training camp this week. Any tips? Is there a lot of traffic? How much extra time should I give myself ( traffic, parking , etc. ) to get there before the practices begin? How about autographs for the kids? Is there optimal time and/or location? How about seating at the practice fields, any preferred spots? Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Training Camp Tips?
 

Not much traffic, parking is good but show up early because seats are first come first serve, and they are unnumbered. If I were you, I'd let the first few practices go and then attend, because crowd size will be manageable by then.

As for autographs, if you are looking for one from Brady or Moss, don't hold your hopes high, they move fast and sign one for every 10 feet they cover (fans line up behind a rope that goes around the field). However the players on the lower rungs are usually willing to take their time. Some days it is Brady/Moss and the higher caliber players, some days it is the OL, some DL, sometimes TE's.

Bring binoculars, sun protection, and plenty of liquid.. just as you would when you attend a game.

Re: Training Camp Tips?
 

Thats great. Thank you for the advice !

Re: Training Camp Tips?
 

If you plan on attending both parts of one of the consecutive 2-a-days, try lunch at one of the many restaurants at Patriot Place, then take the HOF tour. That'll cover the period between practices.

Personally, i prefer to sit on the grassy hill on the stadium side. Those aluminum bleachers bring back painful memories of the old stadium. Plus, the kids can participate in trying to catch one of the FG attempts thru the uprights there.

Re: Training camp tips?
 

traffic is non-existent but definitely get there early with a large water bottle. Even on weekends, you can find a place to stand or sit. If you want to be in the bleachers, get there two hours early on weekends half hour on weekdays.

Re: Training camp tips?
 

If you go to the morning session, you'll miss any commuting traffic there may have been (I have no idea what a Foxboro commute is like and if its as brutal as trying to get to work anywhere around Greater Boston).

Bring your camera, if you have an SLR & a long lens, bring that, too - you'll get some good pictures.

In general though, its just nice to be there and get a close look at the team. For that reason, I enjoy going to training camp more than I enjoy going to games. Granted, I don't get to go to many games.

Re: Training camp tips?
 

Thanks to All !

Re: Training camp tips?
 

The Globe graphic from the other day says the lots open one hour before practice. I might go to the a.m. session tomorrow but would like to get there really early — like 7:30 — so I don't have to deal with rush-hour traffic. If I get there that early, will I be able to pull in and chill out for a while? Or will I have to cruise Route 1 for two hours?

Re: Training camp tips?
 

Assuming those specific training camp lots somehow are not open, I'd park in the adjacent Patriots Place (e.g. Bass Pro Shop) business lots. They likely have to be open to let employees arrive to open shop at 8AM.

Re: Training camp tips?
 

The biggest tip I can give you is to pay attention to the previous camp summary's so that you can catch a full pads work out. Much more bang for your buck. Try to catch the next practice after a shorts and shells workout.