Fans were lined up around the block bright and early this morning ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers' first training camp practice at Jack Hammett Sports Complex.
Just north of 5,000 fans came to Sunday's practice and partook in anything and everything Chargers football.
"This is very exciting and great for Costa Mesa to bring this type of franchise in here and see this type of support already," said Costa Mesa City Attorney Tom Duarte, who came to camp with his son, Luke.
"It's pretty cool," added Adam Magary from Fountain Valley. "I would make the drive down to San Diego for the last 10 years, but it's nice to have the team in my own backyard."
Magary was one of the fans who got there bright and early, snagging a place up against the gate facing the field. So did Shane Dzwilewski, an incoming high school freshman who left today feeling inspired by what he saw on the field.
"I never really watched the NFL that much, but since I'm going into high school football I feel like I should watch more," said Dzwilewski. "It's really cool to see (these guys) run around and train and work their whole lives for this moment."
In addition to watching practice, there are a plethora of activities and amenities at Chargers Camp. Come hungry, because multiple food trucks will be on hand each day. Additionally, there is a full Fan Activation Zone with inflatables, fun football drills like a mini combine and an area where you can size up to your favorite players. Fans with small children or those who don't want to watch practice from the field can watch a live stream from the activation zone.
If you choose to get to camp early, line up in the High Five Zone between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to snag a high five from one of your favorite players.
"It's a great atmosphere coming down here and having the Charger Girls here!" mentioned Maria Mera, a Chargers fan for over three decades. "It's a first-class event. It really feels like this is our year."
"Fans should come to training camp to have a pro experience," Magary added. "They can check out the pro players but the activities they have out here are pretty cool. It's a lot better than I thought it was going to be! I thought it was going to just be practice, but it's an event."
The first day of 2017 Training Camp is in the books and the excitement is just beginning.
