Counting down the days of summer also means football is just around the corner, and Ravens fans can whet their appetites as early as Tuesday, when quarterbacks, rookies and selected veterans take the practice field at McDaniel College for a pair of sessions. The team's first full-squad practice that is open to the public is Friday. Here are a few ideas on what to do at Ravens training camp.
AT CAMP
Where to catch practices
What's known as the upper fields is where the majority of practices will take place. Bleachers line one side of the field, and they are covered. Practices will occasionally relocate to Bair Stadium when it rains or when the team wants to give the grass at the upper fields a rest. Parking is free and available at Bair Stadium off Main Street and overflow lots on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The long and short
If you plan to attend the morning practices, be prepared for a lengthy glimpse. The morning sessions are generally about 2 1/2 hours with considerable time spent on positional drills, rushing exercises, seven-on-seven passing drills and full-team practices. The afternoon sessions can be shorter - somewhere in the neighborhood of two hours - but that is subject to change at the coaches' discretion.
Beat the heat
Stay hydrated with lots of water and juice, but leave the alcohol at home as those beverages are prohibited. Sunscreen, hats and lightweight clothing are also a necessity, especially at Bair Stadium, where there is little shelter from the sun.
It's good to be young
By joining the Ravens Rookies Kids Club and paying $25 for Ultimate Rookie Membership, kids ages 14 and younger get access to a VIP autograph area behind the end zone closest to the field house for post-session autographs. Go to baltimoreravens.com/Ravenstown/Ravens_Rookies.aspx for more information.
Ways to get an autograph
For those on the other side of 14, standing along the rail leading to the steps to the gymnasium is critical - as is being polite and courteous. Kevin Byrne, senior vice president of public and community relations, suggests wearing your favorite player's jersey and/or making signs to attract players. Public relations coordinator Patrick Gleason said bringing an item representing a player's college would also be appealing. But beginning Aug. 3, certain position players will be off-limits for autographs because of mandatory lifting sessions immediately after practices. That schedule will be released later.
