Training Camp 2017
July 26, 2017
It’s a great feeling to know that football is beginning again in earnest, isn’t it? Especially when it’s been such a slow, dull offseason for our beloved Redskins. Just because the GM left under a cloud of controversy and questionable circumstance and the team failed to sign its best quarterback in 25 years to a long-term deal doesn’t mean that it was all that exciting, does it?
Whatever. The point is, all of that is over now, and we’re moving on to some real football, at least as much as training camp is real football. At a minimum, it’s most certainly better than nothing. I’d therefore like to take a bit of space to preview some of the logistical issues about camp – dates, times, things to do, etc. Since we know that a significant number of you are planning to make the trip to the Bon Secours Training Center (http://redskinsrva.bonsecours.com/) in Richmond, last year around this time, we spoke with Anedra Bourne, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Richmond, to discuss what visitors to could expect from the city during their stay. When asked what training camp attendees will find that is new compared prior years, Bourne replied that “[f]ans are going to get a new experience inside the gate this year that offers more of a Richmond feel incorporated in partnership with the Redskins [in] being able to experience the destination in between practices.” The city is ready for the annual onslaught of visitors, with clearly marked routes to and from the facility, plenty of available parking (which will cost a daily fee), and all necessary facilities for those with physical challenges.
Bourne provided that two of the area’s major attractions, the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia, are located within walking distance of the Redskins’ training facility and would make excellent activities in between practices for those with children and for those interested in science. She also identified nearby Maymont Park as being a great place for families looking to entertain children during downtime. The park is over 100 acres and has a variety of activities, including wildlife, a petting zoo, and the historic Maymont estate. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is also a short drive away.
Bourne additionally stated that Richmond has become known as a “foodie town”, with plenty of renowned local establishments available, including many within walking distance of the training facility. There are also a multitude of locally-based micro-breweries available for those of legal drinking age.
If you are looking for last minute lodging options, the city offers plenty of name brand lodging chain hotels that are located in the City near the training facility. If you would like to experience locally-based luxury during your stay, Ms. Bourne identified The Jefferson, which is five-star rated and located in downtown Richmond.
Bourne indicated that the fans will have every opportunity to have a great time while in Richmond, stating that there will be “more opportunities to learn about all there is to do and see and experience in and around the Richmond area.” Please visit www.visitrichmond.com for more information.
HELPFUL INFORMATION:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE: This is the schedule of practices that are open to the public (all times ET):
Thurs, Jul 27: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fri, Jul 28: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sat, Jul 29: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (military appreciation day)
Sun, Jul 30: Camp closed
Mon, Jul 31: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tues, Aug 1: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wed, Aug 2: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Special Teams practice)
Thurs, Aug 3: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 4: Camp closed
Sat, Aug 5: Opens 12:30 p.m.; practice 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (Fan Appreciation Day)
Sun, Aug 6: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 7: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tues, Aug 8: Opens 12:30 p.m.; practice 1: 35 – 3:30 p.m.
Wed, Aug 9: Camp closed
Thurs, Aug 10: No practice – preseason game 1, Redskins @ Ravens, 7:30 p.m.
Fri, Aug 11: Camp closed
Sat, Aug 12: opens 11:30 a.m.; practice 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Sun, Aug 13: Opens 9:30 a.m.; walkthrough 10:35 – 11:35 a.m.; practice 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
RICHMOND INFORMATION LINKS: www.visitrichmond.com; www.visitrichmondva.com
ROADTRIP TO RICHMOND PROGRAM: The City of Richmond and the Redskins have created the Roadtrip to Richmond Program for the training camp period. This is a travel program that combines overnight accommodations, tickets to Richmond-area attractions such as King’s Dominion and the Science Museum of Richmond, plus a variety of other exciting options: http://www.redskins.com/schedule/training-camp/travel-packages.html.
SIGN UP: The Redskins require that you sign up to attend training camp. Here’s the link to the sign up page: https://www.dasdak.com/events/detail/1111111968/ai.
PARKING: The City of Richmond has helpfully provided all of the parking information you will need, including a map: https://redskinsrva.bonsecours.com/training-camp/parking.
DIRECTIONS: Directions to the Bon Secours Training Center, provided by the City of Richmond: http://redskinsrva.bonsecours.com/training-camp/directions. The City of Richmond’s Transit System (http://www.ridegrtc.com/) is the City’s public transit system in and around the area, and it will be available for those who choose to utilize their services.