Chargers Training Camp: Open Practices Announced

I thought that everyone in our beloved Southern California (except for the Raiders fans) would like to know that there is an opportunity to see the 2010 San Diego Chargers in the flesh before the season even starts. I know I will be around. This could be quite a spectacle.

This quote was taken from the Chargers.com team website:

SAN DIEGO – Fans of the four-time defending AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers will once again enjoy the sights and sounds of Training Camp beginning with the first of 11 open practices on Sunday, August 1 at 4 p.m.

Chargers Training Camp is always a memorable experience for fans of all ages. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s leading franchises in action. Bleacher seating is available for outstanding views of the entire practice field. Concession stands will offer plenty of food and beverage choices along with the latest Chargers merchandise and apparel. Hats and sunscreen are recommended. Beach chairs, coolers, snacks, soft drinks and water are allowed. Alcoholic beverages, video cameras, pets and weapons of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.

Parking around Chargers Park is limited. On weekdays, parking is available on the west side of Murphy Canyon Rd. as well as behind the Holiday Inn south of Chargers Park. For weekend practices, parking is also available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park.

The team will hold two open practices at Qualcomm Stadium: Wednesday, Aug. 4 (7-9:20 p.m.) and the team’s annual FanFest, presented by Bud Light, on Saturday, Aug. 7. FanFest will be another big day for Chargers fans. Players will be signing autographs for fans 14 and under beginning at 10:15 a.m., followed by a performance by the Charger Girls and a practice from 11-1 p.m. Nearly 10,000 fans annually attend the team’s most popular and FREE training camp event.

The Chargers’ preseason home schedule includes games against the Chicago Bears (Aug. 14) and Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 21). Tickets may be purchased atwww.Chargers.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or visiting the Ticket Office located at Gate C at the stadium.

Chargers 2010 season tickets also are on sale. They can be purchased by calling 877-CHARGERS, visiting www.Chargers.com or stopping by the Chargers’ ticket office, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open Training Camp Practices*

Sunday, Aug. 1 – 4-6 p.m.  (FIRST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

Monday, Aug. 2 – 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 3 – 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 4 – 7-9:20 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium

Thursday, Aug. 5 – 4-6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 6 – 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 7 – 10-1 p.m. @ Qualcomm Stadium (FanFest, presented by Bud Light)

Monday, Aug. 9 – 4-6 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 10 – 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 11 – 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 12 – 4-6 p.m.  (LAST PRACTICE OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC)

*Practice times are subject to change. Go to www.Chargers.com or call 858-874-4500 to confirm practice times.

Attention, Media: The team’s first full-squad practices will take place Friday and Saturday, July 30-31. However, these practices are open to pre-selected Season Ticket Holders only. ALL training camp practices are open to the media.

Other Important DatesSaturday, Aug. 21 – PRESEASON GAME 2: Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

Tuesday, Aug. 24 – Training Camp breaks

Friday, Aug. 27 – PRESEASON GAME 3: Chargers at New Orleans Saints, 5 p.m. PDT

Tuesday, Aug. 31 – NFL rosters reduced to 75 players

Thursday, Sept. 2 – PRESEASON GAME 4: Chargers at San Francisco 49ers, 7 p.m. PDT

Saturday, Sept. 4 – NFL rosters reduced to 53 players

Monday, Sept. 13 – REGULAR SEASON GAME 1: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 7:15 p.m. PDT

Saturday, Aug. 14 – PRESEASON GAME 1: Chargers vs. Chicago Bears at Qualcomm Stadium, 6 p.m. PDT

The two practices at Qualcomm Stadium will probably be the most intriguing. It will be a nice snap-shot of the season to come. If you can make it out there, then I suggest you do. Then we can all get used to seeing our first offense without McNeill and Jackson together or L.T. in the backfield.