Chicago Bears Training Camp Primer
The players have all reported (except Sedrick Ellis). The GM and head coach have spoken, though many of us are still trying to figure out what the hell it is they said. There will be no contract negotiations and the players aren’t all too happy about it. Everyone has supposedly passed their conditioning test accountability exercise. Now, it’s time for some football!!!
If you’re going to camp, my friend Adam over at Chicago Bears Huddle provides some great tips for a great camp experience while the Tribune’s Travel Section has a nice article on the hot spots in and around Bourbonnais.
First practice is today at 9AM, although the first padded practice isn’t until Sunday morning. Here is the full schedule:
| 2013 CHICAGO BEARS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE | |||
| DAY | DATE | PRACTICE TIME/NOTES | THEME DAY |
| Thursday | July 25 | No practice – closed to the public | |
| Friday | July 26 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Saturday | July 27 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | Vamos Bears Xfinity |
| Sunday | July 28 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Monday | July 29 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Tuesday | July 30 | No practice – closed to the public | |
| Wednesday | July 31 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | Ladies Day |
| Thursday | August 1 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Friday | August 2 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | Bears BBQ Bash |
| Saturday | August 3 | 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm (Soldier Field) | Family Fest |
| Sunday | August 4 | No practice – closed to the public | |
| Monday | August 5 | 3:15 – 5:00 pm | Armed Forces Day |
| Tuesday | August 6 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Wednesday | August 7 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | Youth Football Day |
| Thursday | August 8 | No practice – closed to the public | |
| Friday | August 9 | No practice – closed to the public | |
| Saturday | August 10 | No practice – closed to the public | |
| Sunday | August 11 | 3:15 – 5:00 pm | Run with Staley |
| Monday | August 12 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Tuesday | August 13 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | |
| Wednesday | August 14 | Break camp – closed to the public | |
| All practices will take place on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL unless noted. |
You’ll notice quite a difference in the practice schedule as compared to Lovie Smith. Trestman will conduct most of his practices in the morning, before the heat of the day really kicks in. There has been a lot of talk about player safety and Trestman’s actions and the schedule reflect that idea.
I expect this camp to have really strong attendance as fans and wannabe experts like me try to get their first look at the Bears under Marc Trestman. How will the drills be different? What does the new offense look like? Can any of the new guys play?
Be sure to check the Bears website for updates, as practice times are subject to change.
I haven’t been to camp in several years but plan to be there on the sidelines on Sunday morning. Stop over and say “hi.”