The air buzzed with energy as approximately 7,000 fans gathered at Jack Hammett Sports Complex Saturday morning taking in all the day's sights and sounds.
Among them was Patrick Brown, who was attending his first Chargers camp.
"I went to a training camp back in the '70s and it was nothing like this," Brown said. "You used to just go out to a 100-yard field and you'd just gather around it, but this is way better. It's more interactive and more exciting for the fans. More of an event rather than just watching a practice."
The morning kicked off with fans lining up in the "Hi-Five Zone" welcoming players like Joey Bosa and Casey Hayward to practice with tons of high-fives and cheers. Then, fans made their way to the sidelines and bleachers for an up-close look at the players, something Micah Faris has been looking forward to all offseason.
"We won't get this experience at a game day," Faris mentioned. "This is as close as you can get to the players for free. It's family-friendly and what better place to be at than with all your family here?"
Chargers Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson kicked off the beginning of camp by welcoming fans and hyping up the crowd with shouts of "Go Bolts!" before the players started drills.
Chargers fans represented their Bolt pride during opening day of Training Camp. Browse through the top photos.
On top of watching practice, fans also have the chance to explore the "Activation Zone," which includes a 40-yard dash and a quarterback challenge. Some young fans headed straight to the activity area, looking to emulate the players they watch on the field.
"My kids are excited, and they're already out doing all the activities," said Sarah Meza. "They didn't waste any time. We were reading about the new activities, and they have a lot, so the kids are really excited about that."
While there's plenty of other activities for fans to enjoy, nothing beats watching the rookies and veterans take the field. One special group, the High Desert Phoenix semi-pro football team, drove two hours to attend practice and watch the pros play.
"I wanted my guys to come out here and see what the professionals look like, how they train, what they do and the fan base they receive," said High Desert Phoenix owner Norma Cook.
With all the various activities and sights to see, Chargers camp is definitely fun for the whole family. There are still 13 practices open to the public, marking a great way to build the momentum going into the regular season.
"It's exciting and awesome," Cook said. "It's my first camp, I'm now going to be coming every year."
Chargers Training Camp has kicked off! **Click here** for information on attending one of the several open practices between July 28 and August 23. To celebrate football being back, we're giving away two 2018 season tickets! **Click here** to enter for your chance to win.
