It is finally here! After what seems like an eternity, football is back, well… almost. Broncos training camp officially starts Friday and there are a lot of players and fans alike who are eager to get back into the football state of mind.

Last year was limited for fans to partake in training camp due to the reconstruction of the Broncos training facility,  Dove Valley. Now that construction has been completed, fans will be able to attend 14 sessions throughout training camp, July 31 through August 20. The Broncos are very excited to have the fans back for training camp.

While under construction, Dove Valley not only produced upgrades for the players, coaches and other staff, the fans who come out and support the team also received some upgrades. The grass berm, the designated seating area for fans, has been increased from its original size by three times. This allows for more of Broncos Country to see their team up close. Even though the size of the seating area has increased, there will most likely be a lot of fans eager to grab a patch of grass, so remember it is first come, first serve.

The 400-car paved parking lot is a nice addition for the fans, as well. No longer will fans have to clean the dust and rocks from their vehicles like they did with the old dirt lot. This parking lot will open 90 minutes before training camp begins on Friday. Just like the grass berm, parking is first come, first serve.

Indoor restrooms have been added for the convenience of the fans, a major improvement over the temporary “port-o-johns” used in years past.

Another great fan-focused project of the facility was the newly expanded team store.

One very important note to fans: As if you were attending a regular season game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the clear bag policy will be in full effect at Dove Valley. Each fan may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC, no larger than 12-inches by six-inches by 12-inches, or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Fans are also allowed a small clutch bag or purse the size of a hand.

Select players usually make themselves available after practices for autographs and limited photos. Fans seeking autographs should bring their own markers and objects (we suggest the July Training Camp Issue of Mile High Sports Magazine with Shane Ray on the cover), or purchase items from the team store. Out of respect for other fans, please limit yourself to one signature or photo per player. Some players may not want photos (they’ll be all sweaty from practice, after all). Children and special needs individuals should be given priority, so please be kind.

Training camp on Friday will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free of charge. Gates will open approximately one hour before the session begins.

Here is a full schedule of the open training camp sessions available to the public:

[onefifth] Date
July 31
August 1
August 2
August 3
August 4
August 6
August 7
August 8
August 9
August 11
August 12
August 17
August 18
August 20[/onefifth] [onefifth] Day
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday[/onefifth] [onefifth] Time
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  [/onefifth] [onefifth]  [/onefifth] [onefifthlast]  [/onefifthlast]

Sabrina Naccarato, a Mile High Sports intern and MSU-Denver student, contributed to this report