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It seemed to work well last year to create a single thread for general camp updates and reports.
I know @VeteranRamFan is attending camp today and I know there are others as well.
Look forward to anything shared!
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https://www.ocregister.com/2018/07/25/what-rams-fans-can-expect-at-training-camp-at-uc-irvine/
What Rams fans can expect at training camp at UC Irvine
IRVINE — As Les Snead and Sean McVay addressed the opening of Rams training camp Tuesday at UC Irvine, a popular topic was the new faces they’ll welcome Thursday to kick off camp and the need to successfully work them into the fold of an already loaded roster.
It helps that newcomers like Brandin Cooks and Ndamukong Suh and Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters arrive with impressive NFL resumés and track records.
Looking around the Rams training camp facility at UC Irvine, it’s obvious a handful of key offseason personnel additions won’t be the only new camp features.
UC Irvine is now in year three of serving as the Rams’ summer camp home, and much like the team itself, the facility has been under constant construction almost from the day the club returned to Southern California from St. Louis in 2016. And while the team-specific features come with an obvious objective – to create the best possible training environment from which a championship caliber team will emerge – another eye is laser-focused on accommodating the needs of another important group.
That would be the fans, many of whom devote entire weekends or, in some cases, burn through work vacation days to make their way to Orange County to get a glimpse of their favorite team.
Often on some of the hottest days of the year.
Making sure they’re happy and comfortable and entertained is a quest that, much like the process of improving the on-field product, is continually ongoing.
Which is why fans attending camp this year will be greeted by fully covered grandstands throughout the facility to protect them from the typically unforgiving late July and early August heat, along with a handful of other new features intended to make their experience as pleasant as possible.
“We took a hard listen to our fans last year and wanted to deliver on an elevated fan experience this year,” Rams Chief Marketing Officer Ronalee Zarate-Bayani said. “And we wanted to make sure they could enjoy the entire experience with their families in a comfortable way and really take it all in.”
Rams camp at UC Irvine opens Thursday and runs through Aug. 16. They will open 12 practices to the general public. Friday’s practice will be exclusive to their current season-ticket holders and fans who have already purchased season tickets to their new stadium in Inglewood scheduled to open in 2020.
So, essentially, the Rams have two weeks to put their best foot forward. On the field and off it. Once camp concludes, the club returns to its practice facility in Thousand Oaks, where regular-season workouts are closed to the public.
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As a result, the chance to intimately connect with fans during training camp is not taken lightly.
Said Zarate-Bayani: “We have these 12, 13 days for the fans and we just want to make the experience is as good and comfortable as possible so they can enjoy what they’re there for: Having a good time with their families. Enjoy the start of the football. To see the coach and players in action for the first time.”
Among the features this year:
Expanded Fan Zone and Kid Zone: This opens two hours before practice starts – the area begins when fans first walk in with giant RAMS letters, a DJ, face painting and a virtual reality gaming tent. The Rams Fan Zone will occupy an expanded footprint allowing more fans to access the space. Fan Zone will feature interactive photo experiences, enter-to-win opportunities and more. Children ages 5-14 who visit the Rams Kid Zone will have an opportunity to be selected for post-practice autographs from Rams players as well as participation in Helpful Rams Rookie experiences. Those selected for the Rams Rookies program will receive a Rams Rookies shirt and will be paired with a player during that day’s autograph signing. Following the signing, the Helpful Rams Rookies will be able to receive autographs and help their paired player carry his equipment off the field.
Shaded bleachers: All bleachers surrounding the practice fields will be shaded so fans can stay cool throughout the duration of practice. Seats will be occupied on a first-come, first served basis, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Expanded beer garden: Double the size of last year, the new Beer Garden will span both practice fields.
Fan Tunnel: For the second consecutive year, fans will have the opportunity to form a Fan Tunnel when the players take the field for practice. Each practice, 20 fans along with a guest of their choosing will be selected to form the tunnel. Fans must pre-register for the chance to take part in the Fan Tunnel and will be notified by the Rams 48 hours in advance of their respective date. To register, visit TheRams.com/trainingcamp.
Among the dedicated giveaway and special days:
Season-Ticket Members and SSL Holders only day: The Rams are opening practice Friday to Season Ticket Members and Seat License Holders. All Season Ticket Members and Seat License Holders in attendance will receive an exclusive members-only T-shirt giveaway.
Opening Weekend Kickoff Festival: Saturday’s festivities will feature interactive games, music, giveaways, and appearances from Rams legends, cheerleaders and Rampage. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to receive a Rams’ backpack.
Military Appreciation Day: All veterans, active military members, and their families on Monday will receive a Rams-branded Salute to Service flag.
Youth & Community Day: Various community groups will be in attendance Saturday, Aug. 4, to enjoy practice from a hospitality tent. Fans in attendance also will have the opportunity to receive a Rams-branded mini football.
Vamos Rams Day: Fans can enjoy a day of entertainment and activities Saturday, Aug. 11, to celebrate the rich Latino culture of the Los Angeles region. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to receive a “Vamos Rams” flag giveaway.
