More than 18,000 fans took in the sights and sounds of the team's first in-stadium practice prior to their preseason debut at Tennessee next week, and their support did not go unnoticed by the players.
"It's always awesome to get out here in front of the fans and show them how we've been grinding and dedicating all our time to getting better," wide receiver Dontrelle Inman said. "It's always good to have their support. We do it for them. Without them, there's no us, so it's always good to see them smile."
The stands were full of many first time FanFest attendees like friends Jacob Rundle and Marcio Queiroz.
"I came out because I've always loved the Chargers," Rundle said. "I'm a die-hard Chargers fan. I've seen the (effort) that the coaches have put into the team (and) the new weapons we added. I just know that it's going to be a big year this year. We know that there's going to be a bright future for this team. I truly believe that, and I think everyone else here does, too."
"I've always seen it and have always wanted to come out but I used to work on the weekends," Queiroz added. "Now I'm free, so I can watch my Chargers practice."
Evan Middlemas is an East Coast Chargers fan who flew to America's Finest City from Clearwater, Florida. Middlemas specifically planned his vacation around FanFest before he leaves in a month to get stationed in a new city.
"I was a big fan of LT and all the Chargers greats back then, and I've just grown to love the team since," he said. "If I get stationed out (in San Diego) though, this will be a season ticket opportunity and dream."
FanFest is a unique and fun opportunity for fans to not only watch a scrimmage, but potentially walk away with an autograph or photo from their favorite player. It's also a way for families to share their fandom for the Chargers and love for the game of football with each other.
Marty Cordova drove down from Corona at 7:00am Saturday morning with his 13-year old son. He didn't want to miss the opportunity to share the experience with his son who plays football.
"It's great memories. I didn't get to do this as a kid so I want to be able to have my kid have memories like this."
With preseason starting Sunday night and the regular season a little over a month away, many fans admitted filing into the Q made football season feel more "real." Even Inman attested to the sentiment, saying going through a rough version of his lead up to game day was exciting.
"Taking the bus ride over and going into the locker room (was cool). Then coming out for warmups, hearing the crowd cheering and seeing yourself on (Bolt Vision) brings back the feeling that it's almost time."
With a week of training camp practices under their belts, the 2016 San Diego Chargers made their debut at Qualcomm Stadium for FanFest 2016.
More than 18,000 fans took in the sights and sounds of the team's first in-stadium practice prior to their preseason debut at Tennessee next week, and their support did not go unnoticed by the players.
"It's always awesome to get out here in front of the fans and show them how we've been grinding and dedicating all our time to getting better," wide receiver Dontrelle Inman said. "It's always good to have their support. We do it for them. Without them, there's no us, so it's always good to see them smile."
The stands were full of many first time FanFest attendees like friends Jacob Rundle and Marcio Queiroz.
"I came out because I've always loved the Chargers," Rundle said. "I'm a die-hard Chargers fan. I've seen the (effort) that the coaches have put into the team (and) the new weapons we added. I just know that it's going to be a big year this year. We know that there's going to be a bright future for this team. I truly believe that, and I think everyone else here does, too."
"I've always seen it and have always wanted to come out but I used to work on the weekends," Queiroz added. "Now I'm free, so I can watch my Chargers practice."
Evan Middlemas is an East Coast Chargers fan who flew to America's Finest City from Clearwater, Florida. Middlemas specifically planned his vacation around FanFest before he leaves in a month to get stationed in a new city.
"I was a big fan of LT and all the Chargers greats back then, and I've just grown to love the team since," he said. "If I get stationed out (in San Diego) though, this will be a season ticket opportunity and dream."
FanFest is a unique and fun opportunity for fans to not only watch a scrimmage, but potentially walk away with an autograph or photo from their favorite player. It's also a way for families to share their fandom for the Chargers and love for the game of football with each other.
Marty Cordova drove down from Corona at 7:00am Saturday morning with his 13-year old son. He didn't want to miss the opportunity to share the experience with his son who plays football.
"It's great memories. I didn't get to do this as a kid so I want to be able to have my kid have memories like this."
With preseason starting Sunday night and the regular season a little over a month away, many fans admitted filing into the Q made football season feel more "real." Even Inman attested to the sentiment, saying going through a rough version of his lead up to game day was exciting.
"Taking the bus ride over and going into the locker room (was cool). Then coming out for warmups, hearing the crowd cheering and seeing yourself on (Bolt Vision) brings back the feeling that it's almost time."
