The best time of the offseason is when the Denver Broncos open up their training camp to the fans. The players get the added boost of hearing the cheers for making big plays, while the fans get their first taste of Broncos football since the last season ended.
We will be continuing our 90-in-90 roster breakdown throughout training camp, so stay tuned there for updates or information on both the Broncos star players and those vying for one of the final 53-man roster spots.
Here is your definitive guide to your 2016 Denver Broncos Training Camp.
Check the weather
The UCHealth Training Center has three outdoor practice fields, but weather could affect those practices open to the public. If the Broncos have to move to their indoor facility then you will want to avoid showing up. Stay tuned to @MileHighReport for all of the potential weather updates throughout training camp.
Additionally, if there is lightning or other bad weather that forms during the days’ events, fans will be notified and sent back to their vehicles.
How to get there
You go to Google Maps, type in "UCHealth Training Center", click on the map and then put your address in for directions. Or just go here directly to get Google Map directions to the facility.
If you do not know how to use Google Maps, then you may want to consult the Oracle of Delphi as I am not sure how else to help find something in today’s age.
What time to get there
In true Broncomaniac fashion, the parking lots open a full tow and a half hours before practice session begins at 7am. The gates don’t open until 8am, but getting there early is probably the smartest idea. Attendance to these practice sessions are normally quite impressive each and every year.
Be sure to adhere to the same bag policy that the NFL has in place for stadium events, as they will be enforcing it.
How much does it cost?
FREE!
Unlike other teams around the NFL, the Broncos open things up for the fans as a completely free event to park and to attend.
If you live anywhere near the area, it would be worth attending at least once over the next three weeks.
How to park
Parking is located next to the indoor field house, which is west of the team’s main training complex. It’s all on a first-come, first-serve basis and opens at 7am. Get there early as parking across the street is discouraged.
Where to sit during practice
There are designated fan areas that will be clearly marked. Those will be located mostly on the west end of the practice field in the grass. There is very little shade, so come prepared for some sun.
Public restrooms are available on-site. There will be no food sold, but there will be non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase on location.
Photos are encouraged but no video
Take all the photos you want. The Broncos do not want any video taken at all, though that might be hard to enforce. If they catch you taking video, you should expect to be promptly escorted out of the fan area.
Additionally, only members of the media are allowed to bring cameras with lenses longer than a credit card to the practice sessions. Something to keep in mind for you amateur photographers out there.
Pro tip: Tweet us your photos from camp. We’ll include them in our daily tweetcap!
How to get autographs
The Broncos tend to do a very good job making players available for fan autographs. The players will be designated by position groups to sign autographs and located by the guest seating area on the west end of the practice fields.
Pro tip: Bring a cute kid with you to ask for autographs. Then push them out of the way at the last minute to get your autograph. Just kidding! Kids do get a big share of players attention though - as they should.
What not to bring to camp
The Broncos have a laundry list of items that are no allowed to these fan events. They include: Umbrellas, alcohol, food, glass containers, video cameras, long lens cameras, lawn chairs, strollers (outside parking for strollers on a first come first serve basis), coolers, selfie sticks, full size helmets, cell phones (turned off or on silent) and pets of any kind.
And obviously any other items deemed dangerous or unacceptable by security.
Where to eat nearby
I took to Twitter for this question and the results were a mixed bag. The location isn’t ideally located, but if you are making a day of this you might as well hit one of these places on the way home for lunch.
Need suggestions on where to eat near the UCHealth Training Center. Make your case for the best spot if you're from the area.
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport How close? JD's Bait Shop is on Arapahoe and I-25 and has good burgers and cheap beer.
— Brian Rogers (@BeeROG9) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport Fire Bowl. 10 minutes away.
— Eric Moore (@ercmoo) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport pats philly on Arapahoe is good. So is yuan palace for Mongolian bbq (personal fave)
— g (@gagePeter_Son) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport Dads & Dudes Brewery is the best pizza and close by.
— Josh Miller (@J0shMiller) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport El Trio over at Parker and 470 is amazing.
— based zach (@TheZachMurphy) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport Perfect Landing near Centennial airport is A+.
— Ethan Fisher (@misterfish_1) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport Twin Peaks for the views, Finn McCools next door for local tavern.Two Penguins for taphouse. Dads N Dudes brewery & Pizza
— Steve Ebele (@E6_Swoop) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport a bit of a drive but Caitlin's has incredible New Mexico style chile. You'll love it.
— Justin Satzman (@jsatz23) July 27, 2016
@MileHighReport Snooze. Lol. There's one kinda close in Lone Tree.
— Rick (@rick_bergman) July 27, 2016
Broncos 2016 training camp schedule
The Denver Broncos training camp schedule, along with the first two preseason game dates are listed below.
*Mile High Time
Practice: Thursday, 7/28 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Friday, 7/29 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Saturday, 7/30 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Sunday, 7/31 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Monday, 8/1 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Wednesday, 8/3 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Thursday, 8/4 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Friday, 8/5 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Saturday, 8/6 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Monday, 8/8 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Tuesday, 8/9 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Preseason Game 1: Thursday, 8/11 at Chicago Bears.
Practice: Saturday, 8/13 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Monday, 8/15 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Tuesday, 8/16 from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
Practice: Wednesday, 8/17 from 9:30 am to 12 pm. Joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers.
Preseason Game 2: Saturday, 8/20 versus San Francisco 49ers.