The Ravens hold their first training camp practice on Wednesday, July 26, and players and coaches alike talk about the extra buzz at the team’s Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills when fans are in attendance.
Eighteen camp workouts at the facility will be open to fans, including joint practices with the Washington Commanders on Aug. 15 and 16. As in past years, the free passes for the workouts at the team facility were snatched up within minutes. But if you were lucky enough to score one — and the passes for the Owings Mills practices are per vehicle, not per person — here is a quick guide to what to expect at a practice at the team’s Owings Mills complex:
How long does practice last?
Each workout generally lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, broken into roughly a dozen periods. Practice begins with stretching and then moves to individual and position-group work. During offensive and defensive “install” periods, the team works on playbook specifics, which are then applied in 7-on-7 and full-team periods. Some sessions emphasize specific situations such as goal-line or two-minute offense (and defense).
Where’s the best place to watch?
That depends on the day, and what you want to see. The facility has three practice fields, and after stretching, the team will split up for individual and install periods, with offense operating on one field, defense on another field and specialists on the third. The groups then come together for various periods.
Lamar Jackson throwing to his receivers certainly will draw a lot of the attention, but if you have a carload of budding defensive linemen or linebackers, they can get a great view of Roquan Smith, Justin Madubuike and others attacking the tackling dummies and sleds just a few feet away.
One tip: As you arrive, look for the end-zone cameras that look like streetlights between the goalposts. That indicates which field will hold the full-team, 11-on-11 periods that day, and that’s where the most interesting action will take place. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there on a day when the team holds 1-on-1 battles between pass catchers and defenders. That is always one of the most entertaining periods of training camp, and the competitive juices are flowing in those drills. Last year, tight end Isaiah Likely and safety Kyle Hamilton squared off as rookies in several memorable battles.
Cool! Can we take video of that?
No. Once practice begins, all phones must be put away. Use of phones/cameras is allowed only before practice begins and after it ends.
It’s going to be 95 degrees. What can we do about that?
For starters, you can be glad you aren’t wearing all that gear. The bleacher areas are shaded, and free water will be available for fans. Staff on site will be able to assist with any heat-related or other medical concerns.
Can we get autographs?
Yes, if you are between the ages of 6 and 14. Late in practice, staff will direct children to line up behind a rope heading toward the Ravens locker room. Parents/guardians can sit in the bleacher section behind them. Players will have Sharpies and will come by the autograph area after practice ends.
Can I bring in food? Can we buy it there?
You can bring in food and snacks, but keep in mind that all bags must be 12×12 inches or smaller. All bags will be searched, and no backpacks or duffel bags are allowed. The Ravens Fan Zone will feature food trucks, interactive games and a team store for merchandise and souvenirs.
What about parking?
Your parking pass will be scanned as you enter the facility, and staff will direct you to the proper parking lot. If you need ADA assistance or special parking accommodations, contact TrainingCamp@ravens.nfl.net.
How early can we get there? Can we stay as long as we want?
The facility parking lots open one hour before practice starts. Fans must depart the facility within 45 minutes after practice ends. Fans are not permitted inside the building.
What if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather, the team might move practice indoors. If that happens, fans will not be admitted, as there is only one field and no seating inside. If practice is canceled or moved indoors, there will be no makeup date for passes. For the most up-to-date practice information, you can call 410-261-RAVE (7283) and press option No. 3.
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