If you plan to hit training camp this year, read up on these tips and tricks to ensure you have an enjoyable visit.
Kansas City Chiefs training camp officially kicks off July 27th, 2017. If you are planning to make the trip out, here are some things to keep in mind. I’ve broken these tips down into various categories so everyone can find what they need.
Travel and Parking
Training camp takes place at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. The drive, from my own past experience, has taken anywhere from two to sometimes three hours. Looking at the schedule for camp, most practices will start at 8:15am. If your goal is to see the whole practice, then be sure to get on the road at such a time for you to arrive around 8am. For me, I have to be on the road between 5am and 6am to make it on time.
You will be on highway for most of the journey so keep your safety in mind when making this trip. Watch out for crazy drivers, don’t clog the left lane, and l,ways use your turn signal.
On the matter of parking, historically it has cost anywhere from $10 to $20 so bring that in cash with you. Typically, they only accept cash for parking payments. Some practices charge an entrance fee, so refer to the schedule and plan accordingly.
Here’s a tip for those who are not familiar with the school itself: when pulling in from the road, there will be signs to guide you to parking lots, but turn right and keep driving until you find the football fields and other athletic facilities. The lot immediately in front of the fields is huge. If you get there early enough, it’s easy to secure a spot well within short walking distance.
Seating
The bleachers on one side of the practice fields are open for fans to use. Just be warned, if the day is set to be sunny and hot, those bleachers can get unbearable very quickly. If at all possible, bring padding for the bleachers or lawn chairs for the grass by the fields.
There will be a security barrier around the fields and even around the pathway the players take to enter the field. Security staff are always on duty and watch very closely. They usually are nice people though. When you come up to the fields, turn left and go past the bleachers directly left of you, there are some tents on top of a hill and the bottom of the hill is grass. That is prime real estate. If you bring your own seating and set up shop in that grass at the bottom of the hills, you are in good position to see most of the action and to catch players for autographs.
Autographs and Souvenirs
Player autographs are the highlight of camp for most fans. If you plan on getting autographs, make sure to grab the prime land at the bottom of the hills. If you have an open space right by the barrier, you are set. Nobody can get in front of you now.
It is perfectly acceptable to call out to players when practice is out. Don’t pester them though. If they don’t respond or start signing, don’t waste your time. The players only sign one item per person, so decide if you want paper, a football, or a jersey signed. I have a jersey signed by Eric Berry I got at camp a couple years ago. Be sure to thank the players, too. Some of them will talk with you even. One year, Thomas Jones and I talked for almost 10 minutes!
When it comes to souvenirs, if budget concerns are present, there are small items for sale in the shop. You can also find shirts, jerseys, and footballs of many sizes in the shop. It is also cheaper to bring in outside materials. This is still allowed to happen, thankfully. Fans are also able to bring in outside food and drinks as well, however refreshments are for sale at the fields if you forget. That can get pretty pricey though, so plan ahead if you think buying food at practice is necessary.
Last random bits
When practice starts, take a look at the roster included in each pamphlet handed out before entering. Find all the players in that roster and familiarize yourself with them a bit. It will help when position drills and skirmishes happen.
If you witness a neat play or a good throw. Cheer. You will have some who cheer with you. Let the players know you’re watching and that you liked their good play. Plus, you as a fan get some of that gameday excitement.
The process of getting to, watching and leaving training camp can be an all-day commitment. Enjoy yourself and your team. Hopefully, this guide helps you have a great camp experience. Will you be going to camp? What player do you most want an autograph from? Thanks for reading and Go Chiefs!