Attending Buffalo Bills training camp is an exciting opportunity for fans to see their favorite players up close as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season. With training camp tickets in high demand, it’s important to know the key details for getting your hands on the coveted passes.
When and where is Bills training camp held?
The Buffalo Bills hold their annual training camp at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. Training camp typically begins in late July and runs through mid-August. The exact start and end dates vary from year to year, so be sure to check the official Bills website and social media pages for the latest schedule updates leading up to camp.
How do you get tickets to Bills training camp?
There are a few different ways to obtain tickets for Bills training camp practices and events:
- Free tickets – The team distributes a limited number of free public tickets on the Bills website and mobile app leading up to camp. These are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Paid VIP tickets – The Bills offer VIP paid tickets that provide premium seating, VIP hospitality areas, player autographs and other exclusive perks. Prices and ticket packages vary.
- Season ticket holders – Season ticket members receive a limited number of complimentary training camp tickets each year as a benefit of their membership.
- Corporate sponsors – Companies that sponsor the Bills often get allotments of training camp tickets to distribute to employees and clients.
- Re-sale tickets – Fans sometimes re-sell unused training camp tickets on secondary ticket marketplaces like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, etc.
When and how do free public tickets get released?
The key is to monitor the Bills website and mobile app closely for training camp ticket availability. Here are some tips:
- Mark your calendar – Public tickets are generally released 2-4 weeks prior to the start of camp. This release window is announced on the team’s online platforms.
- Create an account – Have accounts set up ahead of time on the Bills site/app so you can quickly claim tickets once they are available.
- Check daily – Be sure to check for ticket updates daily once the release window opens.
- Act fast – Free tickets get snatched up incredibly fast. You need to claim yours right away once they become available.
- One-day-at-a-time – Tickets are only released on a practice-by-practice basis, so you need to go through the process each day you want to attend.
What’s the best way to get VIP or resale tickets?
For premium VIP training camp experiences, your best bet is to purchase ticket packages directly through the Bills official website once they become available. This ensures you are getting authentic tickets along with the advertised VIP perks. Another option is to purchase resale tickets from a trusted secondary marketplace like StubHub or VividSeats. Here are some tips for going this route:
- Shop early – Prices tend to be lower if you buy resale tickets well in advance of camp.
- Compare sites – Check multiple resale sites as ticket prices can vary.
- Read reviews – Only buy from respected sellers with positive feedback and reviews.
- Confirm details – Verify the exact seat location, date, VIP inclusions, etc. before purchasing tickets.
- Use payment plans – Some sites like SeatGeek offer payment plans to split up the cost interest-free.
What is the schedule for a typical training camp practice?
Bills training camp schedules evolve throughout camp, but here is an overview of what a typical practice day looks like:
Time | Event |
---|---|
7:00 – 8:00 AM | Parking lots open |
8:00 AM | Ticket scanning, entry gates open |
8:15 – 11:30 AM | Player walkthroughs and warm-ups |
10:00 AM | Box office ticket sales (subject to availability) |
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Full team practice |
1:30 PM | Player autograph session (subject to change) |
1:45 PM | Head coach press conference |
Make sure to arrive early to get through security and find seats with a good vantage point. Full contact practices are the highlight, with 11-on-11 drills and intense competition between offense and defense.
What should you bring to training camp?
To have the best experience at Bills training camp, be sure to come prepared with the following:
- Sun protection – Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and shade umbrellas are essential in the mid-summer heat.
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll be standing a lot on grass fields, so wear sneakers or sandals.
- Hydration – Bring plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated.
- Portable chairs – Camp venues allow chairs to provide seating between drills.
- Cameras – Capture the action up close with your phone or DSLR camera.
- Autograph items – Bring Bills memorabilia to get signed if player autographs are scheduled.
- Cash – On site vendors only accept cash for food, drinks and merchandise.
Be sure to check the Bills website ahead of time for full rules on permitted and prohibited items at training camp venues.
Are training camp practices family-friendly?
Bills training camp provides a fun, family-friendly environment for fans of all ages. Here are some tips for making the experience enjoyable for families:
- Arrive early for less crowded conditions as capacity is limited.
- Sit towards the back or sides for better supervision and ability to take breaks.
- Bring snacks, toys and portable entertainment for younger kids.
- Have realistic expectations for how long young children will be able to last.
- Utilize shaded areas of the bleachers during breaks.
- Plan to visit kids activities and entertainment zones if available.
- Take strategic bathroom and water breaks to stay fresh.
- Leave before the crowds if the day gets too long for little ones.
With smart planning, Bills training camp can create lifelong memories with kids of all ages!
Are there autograph opportunities at camp?
Meeting your favorite players face-to-face and getting autographs is one of the top attractions of training camp for many fans. Here are some tips and policies related to player autographs:
- Autograph sessions are limited and subject to change or cancellation at any time.
- Sessions take place after practices, usually for 30-45 minutes.
- Players are brought to an autograph tent or designated area.
- Fans line up on a first-come, first-served basis to meet players as available.
- One autograph per person is typical to allow fair access.
- No posed photos are allowed with players during autograph sessions.
- Make sure to have your item ready and be respectful of the players.
- Younger fans may get preferential treatment.
Player participation in autograph sessions is never guaranteed, so manage expectations accordingly if you attend.
Can you meet players at training camp?
In addition to designated autograph sessions, fans at training camp also have the unique opportunity to potentially interact directly with players during practice. Here are some tips to enhance your chances:
- Arrive very early to claim an exclusive front row watching location along the edge of the field.
- Politely call out to players and coaches as they move between drills.
- Make eye contact and wave to demonstrate your interest.
- Consider wearing a player’s jersey to stand out and show your support.
- Stay positive and upbeat in your interactions.
- Avoid criticism or negativity towards players and coaches.
- If a player approaches, keep any conversation brief and fan-friendly.
- Be understanding that players are focused on practice and may not interact much.
With some strategic planning and a bit of luck, training camp offers unforgettable opportunities to interact with your Bills heroes up close in-person.
What food and drink options are available during camp?
Training camp venues have limited concession stand options on-site. Typical food and drink items available for purchase include:
- Bottled water and sports drinks
- Soda and lemonade
- Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers
- Chips, popcorn, pretzels, cookies
- Pizza, nachos, soft pretzels
- Fruit, yogurt parfaits
- Coffee, ice cream
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Concessions only accept cash payments. Prices are comparable to major sporting events. You can also bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks adhering to venue policies.
Where can you park for training camp practices?
Parking is available at camp venues, typically in surrounding parking lots and garages. Key parking tips for training camp:
- Arrive early – Parking lots open 1-2 hours before practices.
- Follow signs – Look for parking attendants directing traffic flow.
- Carpool if possible – Arrive together to save spaces.
- No tailgating – Tailgating is not permitted.
- Handicap spots – Limited handicap parking is available.
- Drop-off zones – These allow quick passenger unloading if needed.
- Off-site parking – Free alternative parking may be offered with shuttles.
- Fees – Some lots may charge $5-20 for event parking.
Allow extra time to park and walk from your spot to enter training camp securely.
Can you get autographs after training camp practices?
While autograph opportunities are limited during practices, fans sometimes have luck getting autographs from players when they are departing after practice concludes. Here are some tips:
- Confirm which exit players are using to depart the practice fields.
- Position yourself outside the barricades along that exit walkway.
- Arrive well ahead of time to secure a good spot right along the path.
- Politely call out player names and hold items ready to be signed.
- Avoid crowding or grabbing players.
- Bring your own pen for players to use when signing.
- Be prepared for players to walk by without stopping.
- Don’t take photos with players along the exit path.
Post-practice autographs are not guaranteed, but arriving early and being politely assertive in your request gives you the best odds of success meeting players on their way out.
Can you get pictures with players at training camp?
Taking photos with Buffalo Bills players during training camp is a rare opportunity that depends largely on luck and perfect timing. Some tips include:
- Best photo ops are when players first arrive in the morning.
- Stake out spots near the players’ parking lot exit or locker room entrance.
- Politely ask players as they walk by if they have time for a quick picture.
- Offer to pass their phone to a staff member to take the photo for you.
- Keep all interactions extremely brief out of respect for players’ time.
- Avoid approaching players as they are leaving practice due to time constraints.
Photos with specific players can never be guaranteed. Make sure to follow team guidance and be respectful of players if you are fortunate enough to capture some memorable pictures at camp.
Can you get playbooks, balls or gear autographed?
Fans often want unique football-related items autographed by players at training camp. Here are some pointers if you want to get creative with your memorabilia:
- Footballs are common autograph items and the easiest to sign.
- Mini helmets are another popular item that’s fairly easy to autograph.
- Having players sign jerseys, hats, or photos showcases their signature prominently.
- Playbooks require quick, light signatures on thinner paper surfaces that can bleed.
- Game-used equipment like cleats might be signed if presented by fans.
- Avoid odd-shaped objects that are hard to sign legibly.
- Sharpies work best on leather, rubber or textured items.
- Blue or black pens are ideal for glossy photographs.
Get creative with your memorabilia, but keep in mind players have limited time and odd items may get declined. The key is making their signatures stand out while keeping items easy to sign quickly.
Conclusion
Attending Buffalo Bills training camp is a dream come true for many football fans. By knowing key details about registration, scheduling, autographs opportunities and more, you can make the most of your visit. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, Bills training camp can provide memories that last a lifetime.