Football fans across Northern Virginia are welcoming the ownership change for the Washington Commanders and have their first opportunity to see the team at training camp in Ashburn, starting Thursday.
Ninety players are trying to make it into the 53 spots on the Commanders’ initial roster.
It will be the first of 12 open practices for fans, but there are changes from years past.
Fans need free tickets to get in, which are available online.
This year, shuttle buses will take you to team headquarters from Dulles Town Center. The buses run every 10 minutes, starting at 7:30 a.m. each day fans can go to practice. Practices start at 9 a.m.
The practice area now has a 2,000-seat bleacher viewing area. Fans, of course, are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up next to the field.
You will want to bring water to stay hydrated, but no outside food is allowed. Food trucks will be on site.
And don’t expect to videotape the team’s plays. No video cameras are allowed.
Fans will be able to stock up on mini footballs, Commanders gear, and NFL apparel at training camp.
A couple of special practice days are in the mix, including “Back Together Saturday” on July 29, a special day for families. It will feature a kids zone, meet and greets, a live DJ, and performances by Command Force and the Marching Band Drumline. That’s also the day fans will get a Commanders Fan Pack that has sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, a fan, and an autograph book so you can get signatures.
The regular season for the Commanders starts September 10 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Feature image courtesy Washington Commanders
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