The NFL is the most-watched sport in America. The New England Patriots are one of the most popular teams. But even so, many ardent fans have never been to a training camp, and may not know what to expect.
In this guide to Pats training camp, PlayMA assembles all the facts and tidbits you’ll ever need to enjoy training camp for your favorite team.
Facts about Patriots training camp 2023
What:
When:
- July 26-28, 2023 (Wednesday-Friday)
- 9:30 a.m. each day (gates open at 8 a.m.)
- There will be a fourth open practice either July 29 or July 30.
Where:
- Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
- This will be the 21st consecutive camp at Gillette Stadium, home of the six-time Super Bowl champion Patriots.
- Training camp sessions take place on the grass fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium.
Activities at Patriots training camp
- Pats Fan Walk: Enjoy shopping and entertainment, like merchandise, game and travel packages, and more.
- Play football area: Participate in numerous football activities, including the QB Challenge, Combine Course or Patriots-themed cornhole. You can even attempt to make a field goal at Gillette Stadium.
- Patriots cheerleaders: Yes, the Pats cheerleader team will be at training camp to perform. You can even pose for photos.
- Patriot Place: You’ll probably bump into Pat Patriot, and find oodles of photo ops you can share to your social media account in this area. The team encourages the use of #PatsCamp on any posts.
- Patriots Hall of Fame: The team Hall of Fame area will be open for visiting. Honor the greatest players in franchise history, like Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law and Willie McGinest.
- Donate: The Patriots ask fans to consider bringing classroom supplies to donate to the “Huddle to Homeroom” program. There will be places to drop off your items, and they will help teachers in the Boston and New England region.
- Blood drive: On Wednesday only, you may donate blood at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center mobile van from 8 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. This initiative is for the benefit of the Dana Farber and Brigham & Women’s Hospitals.
- DraftKings Fantasy Sports Zone: This area of Gillette Stadium, where you can lounge and do all your betting on the Patriots during games, may be open with promos.
What to expect at Patriots training camp
When should I arrive?
This three-day event can be enjoyed in single visits, or plan a Patriots summer vacation of sorts and attend all three days.
Gates open at 8 a.m. at Gillette, but events won’t begin until 9:30 a.m. You should arrive as early as you can to get in line for entry. Typically, being there between 7:30-8 a.m. is fine, and you’ll have plenty of time to enter the stadium before the team takes the field.
Consider downloading the Patriots team app so you can be informed of any changes to daily workout plans or timing. The gates should be open at 8, regardless, but the actual practice has been known to be shifted a few minutes later in past years.
Call the Pats Training Camp Hotline at 508-549-0001 if you have any questions before making your trip.
What is the schedule?
- Wednesday, July 26: You will see coach Bill Belichick and his assistants working the team out in preparation for the NFL season. Several drills will take place, and often Belichick or team representatives will make a statement to welcome Pats fans to camp. Stay late and you could possibly get player autographs.
- Thursday, July 27: The Pats will conduct their second open training session. This is an excellent chance to see many NFL players, including All-Pros Matthew Slater and Brian Burns. In these workouts, you frequently will see instruction and drills simulating football plays. You’ll also recognize famous Patriot alumni, who will be VIP guests at training sessions.
- Friday, July 28: Patriots training camp, open to public.
Will there be chances for autographs?
Yes, there will be scheduled autograph sessions each day of Pats training camp. Expect there to be lines, but if you wriggle in early by the autograph session area, you will not wait long. Look for the signage to find the autograph sessions locations throughout Gillette Stadium.
What can I bring to training camp?
Unlike preseason and regular season NFL games, you are allowed to bring non-clear bags into training camp at Gillette. Those bags are subject to possible inspection.
You are allowed to bring in your own food. So, make it a picnic and package your PB&J sandwiches.
You can bring your cameras or use your cell phone to take pictures.
Visitors are not allowed to take video of camp, nor can they use drones, GoPro cams or selfie sticks.
Also note: Cash cannot be used at the pro shop or concession stands during training camp. Bring your credit or debit card.
What about parking?
Parking at Gillette Stadium for training camp is free. There will be plenty of space for you and your football buddies.
Use these entrances, or consult this Gillette Stadium parking map:
- P6 entrance if arriving from the north
- P8 entrance if you’re coming from the south
Can I find food and drinks?
If you choose not to bring your own food, you will be able to purchase refreshments and food at the concession stands.
Only debit and credit cards will be accepted during training camp.
Other chances to see the Patriots before preseason games
The Patriots will hold a few joint training sessions in Green Bay on Wednesday, Aug. 16 and Thursday, Aug. 17.
Those events will occur prior to the team’s first preseason game, which will be played against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday, Aug. 19.
