On Friday, July 31, the Atlanta Falcons will begin their training camp in preparation for the 2015 season. This yearly event, which is free to the public, includes events and opportunities for fans of all ages to get close to their favorite players and experience an NFL practice up close.
While an NFL training camp is football-oriented, that shouldn't discourage even the most casual fan from attending. Local radio stations, fan-oriented activities and the beautiful location make it a great way to spend an afternoon. In addition to the practices, there will be a "Youth Weekend" on August 1-2, a "Friday Night Lights" team scrimmage on Friday, August 7 and a Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, August, 9.
For those who have never been to a training camp before, there are sure to be plenty of questions. Fortunately, we have compiled everything you could possibly need to know about this year's event so that you too can attend camp like a pro.
Location:
The Atlanta Falcons' headquarters are located at 4400 Falcon Pkwy in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Located just off of highway 985, the facilites open one hour before practice is scheduled to begin.
Practice times:
Most practices are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and run until noon, and fans can enter the event an hour before practice is scheduled to start. For a complete schedule of practice times, click here.
Parking:
Parking is free to the public and located across the street from the facilities at the Hog Mountain Sports Complex.
What you can bring:
Practice will be located outside, so appropriate weather-related gear is recommended. This includes umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, rain jackets and sunscreen. There will be covered seating available at the practice facilities, but for those fans who want to sit down on the hill near the field, blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. Small coolers and non-alcohol beverages are also allowed on the premises and concessions will be offered to fans. For those who would like to take pictures at training camp, still cameras with lenses smaller than 12" are allowed, but no flash photography or video recording will be tolerated.
What you should leave at home:
There are no weapons of any kind allowed at the facilities. Alcoholic beverages are also not allowed at practice, and smoking is not permitted. Pets will not be let into training camp; the only animals permitted are service animals. Although small cameras are allowed, no large camera equipment or video devices can be taken into the facilities. Leave your large bags, backpacks and coolers at home, too.
Family friendly events:
During the first weekend of training camp (August 1-2), the Falcons are hosting a "Youth Weekend." Games and inflatables will be available for kids to enjoy during the team's practice. The Falcons "Kid Zone" will open an hour prior to the beginning of practice. Local radio station 92.9 The Game will broadcast live from Flowery Branch during training camp, which will give fans a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes in radio. Fans may also bump into players at Crossroads, a local bar and grill that is popular among locals and players alike.
Concessions and merchandise:
Worried about high food prices? Don't be' concessions at Flowery Branch are only one dollar. There is no ATM on the premises, however; so be sure to hit the bank on the way to training camp and grab some cash. An official merchandise tent will be located near the main entrance for fans to purchase new gear before the season begins.
For more information on this year's training camp, visit the Atlanta Falcons Training Camp page.
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