Chargers training camp primer: Dates, location, how to watch, position battles & more
By Jason Reed
The first day of training camp is like the first day of school. After a long summer break that felt way too long for fans, teams will return to work for the grueling journey that is the NFL season. For the LA Chargers, the start of training camp in 2024 represents the start of a new era under Jim Harbaugh.
There is more buzz around the Chargers heading into training camp than in previous years. Fans desperately want to see what the Harbaugh version of this team looks like and training camp will provide insight.
With such a buzzworthy training camp ahead, here is everything Chargers fans need to know.
When does Chargers training camp start?
The Chargers will officially come back from summer vacation on Wednesday, July 23. Rookies will report a week earlier than veterans, resuming training camp activities on Wednesday, July 16.
Chargers training camp location
This year's training camp will be historic as it will be the Chargers' first year at the team's new $276 million training facility, "The Bolt". The Bolt is located in El Segundo and the early impressions are beyond positive.
Moving to El Segundo will end the team's tenure at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa. The Chargers have called the Costa Mesa location home since moving back to Los Angeles.
Can fans go to Chargers training camp?
There will be several open practice sessions Chargers fans can attend for free. These are the following dates Chargers fans can go out to The Bolt to see their favorite team live in the flesh:
Date | Time (PDT) | When tickets are available |
|---|---|---|
Wednesday, July 24 | 9:00 AM | July 15 at 10:00 AM |
Thursday, July 25 | 12:00 PM | July 15 at 10:00 AM |
Friday, July 26 | 3:00 PM | July 15 at 10:00 AM |
Saturday, July 27 | 5:00 PM | July 15 at 10:00 AM |
Monday, July 29 | 10:00 AM | July 22 at 10:00 AM |
Tuesday, July 30 | 12:00 PM | July 22 at 10:00 AM |
Wednesday, July 31 | 2:00 PM | Season ticket exclusive |
Thursday, August 1 | 4:30 PM | July 22 at 10:00 AM |
Friday, August 2 | 5:00 PM | July 22 at 10:00 AM |
Sunday, August 4 | 11:00 AM | Season ticket exclusive |
Monday, August 5 | 10:00 AM | July 29 at 10:00 AM |
Tuesday, August 6 | 1:00 PM | July 29 at 10:00 AM |
Wednesday, August 7 | 4:00 PM | July 29 at 10:00 AM |
Thursday, August 8 | 4:00 PM | July 29 at 10:00 AM |
Tickets are free for any fans to attend. The only practices with limited entry will be on Wednesday, July 31 and Sunday, August 4. Both of those practices are open to season-ticket holders only. The practice on August 4 is a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams.
Key position battles to watch during Chargers training camp
With a new head coach and regime in Los Angeles, there are going to be many position battles that will shape the future of the 2024 season. In terms of starting positions, here are several key battles fans must keep in mind:
- Running back - Gus Edwards vs. J.K. Dobbins
- Tight end - Will Dissly vs. Hayden Hurst
- Linebacker - Daiyan Henley vs. Junior Colson
- Slot corner - Ja'Sir Taylor vs. Tarheeb Still
Both running back and tight end will likely end up being by committee so whoever wins the "starting" role is not as consequential. At running back specifically, there is also a battle between Isaiah Spiller and Kimani Vidal to round up the depth of the position.
There are two big starting spots on defense up for grabs, both involving rookies taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rookie Junior Colson needs to beat out second-year Daiyan Henley to start alongside Denzel Perryman at linebacker. Meanwhile, fourth-round pick Tarheeb Still has a chance to steal the starting slot corner job.
Of course, there are plenty of other position battles to watch. The wide receiver room is fully up for grabs outside of the top two (belonging to Joshua Palmer and Ladd McConkey). Trey Pipkins is currently projected to start at right guard, but it is not guaranteed. How the team utilizes the defensive line rotation, inside and on the edge, is yet to be determined.
How to watch Chargers training camp:
The Chargers did not offer any way to watch training camp live in the past other than physically going to practice and being in attendance. Even at the new facility, it is unlikely the Chargers will offer any kind of live video coverage.
That being said, Chargers fans can lean on Bolt Beat to provide comprehensive training camp coverage. From highlights to position battles to buzzworthy quotes, you can get all of your Chargers training camp news here on Bolt Beat!