Questions about Training Camp

[Finslady]

Hi. My boyfriend (RISkinsFan) and I will be taking a trip to Maryland from July 24th-Aug 1st. We'll be staying in Rockville and would like to go to training camp. I saw the thread with the dates and times posted.

Can anyone give us any advice on how to make the best out of the day? Are there any rules (cameras, no cameras?) Can we bring jerseys to be signed? Can we bring a cooler with snacks and drinks (no alcohol, of course...we're not idiots )? We're having some trouble finding information.

Last, but not least, are there any Warpath members planning to go during the time frame that we'll be there? It would be great if we could meet up with some people who can show us around.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Daseal]

Hey Finslady:

Rockville to Ashburn isn't exactly an easy drive. You may want to get directions, and leave very early that morning if you're not accustom to DC area traffic. My advise is to get there early to get a good seat. During the Spurrier era it wasn't really a big deal since you could sit all around the fields. Gibbs roped off a much smaller area forcing the fans into a much smaller area. I'm hoping Zorn will open a bit more up, but I don't expect it to happen. The earlier you get there, the better seat you'll get for practice.

Cameras are allowed and feel free to snap away. Autographs are not automatic but you have a good chance if you veer left right when you come in the gate so you're right against the rope near the facility. This is where most of the players walk onto and off of the field. Some players only sign after morning practice or afternoon, some do both, some do neither.

From what I remember Coolers are allowed. Hopefully someone else can confirm this. Expect it to be roughed up especially if you're going to be right by where the prime autograph area is.

Training camp is a fun experience. Get to see the team progress a bit, get to see the players up close. Really makes you realize just how fast these guys are since you can get so close. I'll be there one day, but not sure when exactly yet.

[That Guy]

bring water, think twice about real young kids unless you're sure they can handle the heat.

i doubt it'll be 100+ and humid like last year (since it's in the morning), but still something to think about. they sell water there for 4$ a bottle, so definitely bring your own.

[BigSKINBauer]

Yeah definitely bring a lot of water like that guy said. Last year some girl passed out nearby me during the practice. She got up right away and people gave her water. Wouldn't look good if she seriously got sick for snyder and his water prices.

[Finslady]

Thanks for the info, guys . I'm really looking forward to it!

[hesscl34]

I have an awesome Sean Taylor pic (water color) that I've framed that I'd like to take with me with the hope that Portis and others would sign in his memory. Do you think that's bad idea?? This is totally for my son.. nothing else.. I don't want to seem insensitive by taking it with me..

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

I have an awesome Sean Taylor pic (water color) that I've framed that I'd like to take with me with the hope that Portis and others would sign in his memory. Do you think that's bad idea?? This is totally for my son.. nothing else.. I don't want to seem insensitive by taking it with me..

they sign all kinds of stuff, but you do run a risk of it getting damaged as they're really no place to keep it safe besides you car, and after practice, you not might really have to time to run out, get, and get back in line and get up to the players before they start leaving.

also, not every player signs every day, so you might miss someone you wanted...

[BigSKINBauer]

Originally Posted by hesscl34

I have an awesome Sean Taylor pic (water color) that I've framed that I'd like to take with me with the hope that Portis and others would sign in his memory. Do you think that's bad idea?? This is totally for my son.. nothing else.. I don't want to seem insensitive by taking it with me..

I don't know how they would feel but the truth is everyone is going to be getting their taylor jerseys signed and everyone is going to be wearing taylor jerseys. I think they kinda expect to see taylor stuff everywhere.

Yeah, as Gman said, you might damage it. So many people are pushing to get to the major players. I just stay out of those lines now. I have a jersey that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. It has a bunch of autographs from gibbs to taylor and everyone is swinging sharpies around in those clusters and I am scared to get a big line through an autograph. It has actually happened a little bit but no big eal

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by BigSKINBauer

I don't know how they would feel but the truth is everyone is going to be getting their taylor jerseys signed and everyone is going to be wearing taylor jerseys. I think they kinda expect to see taylor stuff everywhere.

Yeah, as Gman said, you might damage it. So many people are pushing to get to the major players. I just stay out of those lines now. I have a jersey that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. It has a bunch of autographs from gibbs to taylor and everyone is swinging sharpies around in those clusters and I am scared to get a big line through an autograph. It has actually happened a little bit but no big eal

Sounds like a mad house.. hmmmm. I hope it isn't too crazy. I hate that.

[mlmpetert]

Got this email from the Redskins, those going to training camp might find it worth it picking up a lottery ticket:


Dear Redskins Fan,
The Virginia Lottery wants to give you premium access at Training Camp with the Virginia Lottery Replay. The first 250 fans each day to bring any non-winning Virginia Lottery ticket to Training Camp July 20 through July 28 will receive VIP access to a reserved, upfront viewing area and will receive a special gift courtesy of the Virginia Lottery. Visit your nearest Virginia Lottery retailer and get in the game! More Than $3 Billion to K through 12 Public Education Since 1999: The Virginia Lottery, Helping Virginia’s Public Schools.

[Daseal]

I hope I dont win 3 million dollars!

[mooby]

Originally Posted by BigSKINBauer

I don't know how they would feel but the truth is everyone is going to be getting their taylor jerseys signed and everyone is going to be wearing taylor jerseys. I think they kinda expect to see taylor stuff everywhere.

Yeah, as Gman said, you might damage it. So many people are pushing to get to the major players. I just stay out of those lines now. I have a jersey that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. It has a bunch of autographs from gibbs to taylor and everyone is swinging sharpies around in those clusters and I am scared to get a big line through an autograph. It has actually happened a little bit but no big eal

That's probably going to be true. I'm gonna be wearing my Taylor jersey when I go up there sometime this week because it's the only jersey I own. I had an Arrington jersey but I gave it to a close friend of mine before last season when I bought my Taylor jersey because he didn't own any jerseys and he's too poor to afford one.

[BigSKINBauer]

Originally Posted by BigSKINBauer

Yeah definitely bring a lot of water like that guy said. Last year some girl passed out nearby me during the practice. She got up right away and people gave her water. Wouldn't look good if she seriously got sick for snyder and his water prices.

So i just got back from training camp and the girl that got sick this time was my sister. She said she felt like throwing up and she did a little bit when we left. I just said lets get out of here.

Honestly it wasn't that hot today. I was enjoying myself. We forgot the water on the table at home and noticed 10 minutes after we left. Water prices aren't good but they're not to bad. $3 a bottle. I feel like it was more last year.

[mooby]

Yeah BSB when I go I am definitely taking a cooler full of water bottles, I have enough bottled water at my home to last a month and I'd rather take that then shell out 3 bucks for 1 bottle of water.

So you know what I just thought about? I've decided I'll most likely be going to TC Tuesday morning, I was anticipating not a lot of people being there but now that Jason Taylor is a 'Skin I am pretty sure that a huge crowd will be there to see him in his first days in a 'Skins uni. That's not gonna be fun, but oh well. Attendance is probably gonna be up at camp all this week after today.

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by BigSKINBauer

So i just got back from training camp and the girl that got sick this time was my sister. She said she felt like throwing up and she did a little bit when we left. I just said lets get out of here.

Honestly it wasn't that hot today. I was enjoying myself. We forgot the water on the table at home and noticed 10 minutes after we left. Water prices aren't good but they're not to bad. $3 a bottle. I feel like it was more last year.

Did you get any autographs? Wasn't too hard to even bother?