Guest feature: Getting the most out of training camp

By Jeff Domagalski

Chicago Bears pre-season training camp can be a fun and, perhaps even more appealing, FREE event for you and your family.

Besides being involved with camp because of my role at Olivet, I’ve personally enjoyed taking my wife and kids to this annual event.

Here are a few “insider” tips I’ve discovered over the years for making the most of your training camp experience:

1. Attend an evening practice. If getting autographs is your primary goal, it may be a little harder to achieve this during the evening practices. However, the atmosphere is really neat, and so I recommend you attend at least one.

2. After practice is the best time to score an autograph. Know the player’s name, but don’t scream it at them. Players are limited on time and bombarded with autograph requests, so it helps to have a bit of cuteness on your side. If you’re under the age of 14 or a very attractive woman over the age of 18, you’ll have better luck.

3. If you’re only going to attend one practice, make it Fireworks Night: August 11 at 7 p.m.

4. Training camp is very family friendly, and your kids will love the Bears Interactive Play Area. For a little added fun, take them over to the berm and let them roll down the hill.

5. Bears need nourishment, and so make sure to dine at the local eateries during the non-practice hours. You might spot one of them at any place where there is good food.

6. Take time to go through the Bears Store. You’ll find tons of nice Bears apparel to add to your wardrobe.

7. Arrive early. The first weekend of practices, we set an all-time attendance record with more than 11,000 fans at training camp. If you want to get a good spot, it’s best to get there at least an hour or so before practice begins.

8. There are multiple practice fields, and you’ll want to stake out a spot where you’ll see the most action. When you arrive, check to see what practice field the players will be on the majority of the time.

9. Beat the heat. A few hours before or after practice, run the family over to Splash Valley in Kankakee. You and the fam will be thankful for the opportunity to cool off at this fun water park that’s just 15 minutes from camp.

10. Finally, make sure to show your true colors at camp. Sport your favorite Chicago Bears apparel!

For more information about training camp and a detailed practice schedule, visit the official training camp site at www.chicagobears.com/events/TrainingCampActivities.asp.



Jeff Domagalski is the director of community relations/senior development officer for Olivet Nazarene University.