Some Tips for Attending Jets Practice at Florham Park

July 28, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets fans look on during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

The Jets are holding their open practices at their training facility in Florham Park, NJ on Thursday and Friday. It’s a great chance to see the team live and up close, and to interact with the team to a degree. For anyone who hasn’t gotten a chance to go down there, and are going for the first time, I have compiled some tips to make the experience as great as possible.

ARRIVE EARLY

The earlier you arrive, the better off you will be. The staff has you file in once you get there, and you border the different practice fields with rope keeping you off the field. The earlier you arrive, the closer to, and the better position you have, along the main practice field. The majority of the action takes place on the main field obviously, so the earlier you arrive, the better.

THE PRACTICE GROUPS ROTATE

The above not withstanding, as the practice goes along, the position groups rotate around the field. What does that mean to you? It means that unles you come really late, you will get a view of many different positions. If offensive line play intrigues you, but they are starting the practice on the opposite end of the field from where you are, don’t worry. They will likely move to a position you will get great pictures from.

The last time I went to training camp practice, some of the best pictures I got(I arrived late), were of the punters working on the side field. There is something for everyone.

WEAR SUNSCREEN

This is some valuable personal advice, as I made this mistake when I went to minicamp practice. I did not wear any, forgetting that there is no shade, and I was red as a beet for about a week, and in great pain.

If you are susceptible to sun burns, bring the stuff with you. It doesn’t take much to get involved in what you are watching, and you forget that you are out in the sun. It beats down on you for the entire practice, and if you are not careful, you are going to pay for it!

LEAVE EXTRA TIME FOR JETS FEST/JETS SHOP

Especially if you are bringing children, you want to leave them time to enjoy Jets fest. The interactive activities are great, the kids will have a great time.

Either way, leave time to go into the Jets shop tent, they have just about everything imaginable as far as merchandise.

AUTOGRAPHS GALORE

If you weren’t aware, the players do hang around and give autographs after practice. You don’t need to move around from your spot, unless you are looking for a player on the opposite field or something. The players that are near you, move down the line signing as many autographs as possible, and some will even take pictures with you. It’s a great experience.

Don’t even worry if you have nothing to sign or nothing to write with. The players are provided pens, and you are provided an autograph card on arrival at practice.

Everyone drive safely, and enjoy it.