Fan's guide to Packers 2013 training camp
This is the last in a series of 13 previews leading up to the Green Bay Packers' July 26 start of camp.
NFL training camp isn't what it used to be. There are no two-a-day practices and recent player safety measures prevent a lot of big hitting.
But, training camp in Green Bay is still a must-see event for many Packers fans. Nearly 50,000 people attended practices last year and there's no reason to believe those numbers won't be repeated again.
With 20 practices this year, plus two home preseason games and one Family Night scrimmage, there will be plenty of chances for fans to get a look at Green Bay's 2013 roster before Week 1 of the regular season.
Below is a list of everything that Packers fans need to know before they make the trip -- however far it may be -- to one of the team's training camp practices over the next five weeks.
These are all open to the public, weather permitting. If there is inclement weather, practice will be moved indoors and fans cannot attend.
Friday, July 26: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Saturday, July 27: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Sunday, July 28: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Tuesday, July 30: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Wednesday, July 31: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Thursday, August 1: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Friday, August 2: Practice at 7 p.m.Saturday, August 3: Family Night scrimmage at 6:30 p.m.Tuesday, August 6: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Wednesday, August 7: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Thursday, August 8: Practice at 8:20 a.m.Tuesday, August 13: Practice at 11:15 a.m.Wednesday, August 14: Practice at 11:15 a.m.Thursday, August 15: Practice at 11:00 a.m.Monday, August 19: Practice at 11:30 a.m.Tuesday, August 20: Practice at 11:15 a.m.Wednesday, August 21: Practice at 11:00 a.m.Sunday, August 25: Practice at 11:30 a.m.Monday, August 26: Practice at 11:15 a.m.Tuesday, August 27: Practice at 11:00 a.m.
Admission to Packers training camp practices is free. Fans can park in the Lambeau Field parking lots for no charge. Practices take place at Ray Nitschke Field, where seating is general admission and is on a first-come, first-served basis (2,000 seats total, plus standing room availability). The gates at Nitschke Field open 90 minutes before each practice. There are concession stands and bathrooms on site. Smoking is only permitted outside the gates and carry-ins are limited to small bags and coolers (no alcohol).
There is an area for fans 12 and younger called the Future Lambeau Leapers Autograph Building that is located in the Tundra Tailgate Zone. Players will be in there for 20-30 minutes on July 26, July 28 and July 30, as well as August 1, August 6 and August 7.
Of course, young fans can always take advantage of the tradition of having players ride their bicycles from Lambeau Field over to Nitschke Field.
There will be a Packers Pro Shop merchandise stand set up outside Nitschke Field.
The family night scrimmage is on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets were $10 but are sold out. If there is inclement weather, the football activities portion of the event could be cancelled.
With 7,000 more seats in the south end zone at Lambeau Field and additional renovations underway at the atrium, Lambeau Field has changed a lot in recent months. Tours of Lambeau Field and of the Packers Hall of Fame are available, as always.
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