The Buffalo Bills host their annual training camp every summer at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. Training camp provides fans with an up close and personal look at the team as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. Attending Bills training camp is a great way to see your favorite players in action and get autographs. Here is everything you need to know about getting tickets for Bills training camp.
When and Where is Bills Training Camp?
The Bills training camp is held every summer at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. It typically runs for around 3 weeks from late July through mid-August. The exact dates vary from year to year. For 2023, Bills training camp will likely take place sometime in late July through mid-August.
All practices are held at Growney Stadium on the campus of St. John Fisher College. The college is located about an hour drive east of Buffalo in suburban Rochester. Growney Stadium provides an intimate setting for fans to watch practice up close.
How to Get Tickets
There are a few different ways to get tickets for Bills training camp practices:
Online Ticket Registration
The best and easiest way to get training camp tickets is through the online ticket registration at BuffaloBills.com. This is a free ticket lottery system where you can register for a chance to get tickets. Registration usually opens up in June for that summer’s training camp.
With the online registration, you pick which day(s) you want to attend and how many tickets you need (maximum of 4 per registration). The tickets are awarded randomly through a lottery. If selected, you will receive a confirmation email with your digital tickets to bring to training camp.
Box Office
A limited number of tickets may be available for purchase on-site at the St. John Fisher box office each day. These $5 general admission tickets are first come, first served starting 90 minutes before the practice begins.
Keep in mind that the box office tickets are extremely limited. Many days will sell out completely through just the online registrations. But it’s an option for fans who decide to attend a practice last minute.
Special Ticket Packages
Some corporate sponsors or community groups may offer special ticket packages or contests for training camp. For example, local Rochester companies sometimes provide tickets for employees or clients.
Season ticket holders also get a limited number of training camp tickets included with their season ticket package.
So if you have a connection with any local sponsors or are a Bills season ticket holder, check if training camp tickets are available through those avenues.
Schedule of Practices
The Bills have not yet released the official schedule for 2023 training camp. Once available, the full schedule of practice dates and times will be posted at BuffaloBills.com.
Based on previous years, we can expect around 15 practice sessions over the 3 week period. Most practices will start in the late morning around 10 or 11am. There are also typically a few evening practices mixed in.
Here is an example of what the daily camp schedule may look like:
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Parking Lots Open |
| 9:00 AM | Box Office Opens |
| 10:00 AM | Practice Begins |
| 12:00 PM | Practice Ends |
| 12:15 PM | Player Autographs |
Once the official schedule is released, be sure to plan which sessions you want to attend. The most popular sessions are the Friday night practices and any weeknight under the lights practices. Also take into account weekends and the mid-week daytime sessions when planning.
What to Expect at Training Camp
Attending Bills training camp is a fun and unique experience for fans. Here are some of the highlights of what you can expect:
Watch Practice Up Close
The main attraction is the chance to watch practice up close and see the players in action. Fans can sit in the bleachers at Growney Stadium just yards away as the team runs drills and scrimmages.
Player Autographs
Many players will stop to sign autographs for fans after practice. Bring items to get signed like footballs, jerseys, helmets, photos, etc. Younger fans often get the most attention from players.
Giveaways and Contests
There are often fun giveaways like Bills shirts or hats for fans in attendance. They also run contests during practice like field goal kicks for prizes.
Food and Merchandise
There are food trucks brought in with classic football fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken fingers. You can also buy the latest Bills merchandise at the team store tents.
Entertainment
The Bills have various family-friendly entertainment during downtime like face painting, inflatables, and appearances by the Bills mascot Billy Buffalo.
Tips for Attending Training Camp
To make the most of your visit to Bills training camp, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive early, especially if you need box office tickets. The box office and parking lots open 90 minutes before practice. Give yourself enough time to park, get tickets, and find a seat.
Bring Supplies
Training camp is mostly outdoors so bring sunblock, hats, sunglasses, and water bottles. Also bring autograph items like footballs, posters, or jerseys to get signed.
Dress for the Weather
Rochester in the summer can be hot and humid or rainy. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Layers work well in case the temperature changes.
Know the Rules
Be sure to review the training camp fan guide so you know the stadium policies around bags, cameras, behavior, autographs etc.
Check the Schedule
Pay attention to the daily schedule of events like practice times, parking lot openings, and post-practice autographs.
Charge Your Phone
Bring your fully charged phone to take photos/videos and also use the digital version of your tickets.
Hotels Near Training Camp
If you are traveling to Rochester for training camp, there are several hotel options conveniently located near St. John Fisher College:
Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/Pittsford
Located just over 1 mile from campus with free shuttle service to training camp practices.
Hampton Inn Rochester-Irondequoit
Less than 2 miles from St. John Fisher. Complimentary breakfast included.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Rochester Pittsford
Newer hotel about 2 miles away with both suites and standard rooms available.
Radisson Hotel Rochester Airport
Connected to the Rochester airport terminal and a 5 mile drive to camp.
Hyatt Regency Rochester
Downtown luxury hotel with shuttle service to training camp, about 15 minutes away.
There are also many other chain and independent hotels in towns like Rochester, Pittsford, and Brighton that offer easy access to St. John Fisher College. Be sure to book early as rooms fill up fast during training camp.
Parking at Training Camp
Free parking is available in designated lots at St. John Fisher College. The parking lots open 90 minutes before the scheduled practice time. Arrive early to give yourself time to park.
Parking staff will direct you to the correct lots. Follow posted signs and any staff directions. Be prepared for a bit of a walk from the lots to the stadium.
Handicapped parking is available but on a very limited basis. Those needing handicapped parking should email [email protected] in advance to request a spot.
Food and Drinks at Camp
You can purchase food and drinks from vendors set up on-site during training camp. Typical fare includes:
- Hot dogs
- Hamburgers
- Chicken fingers
- French fries
- Nachos
- Pizza
- Popcorn
- Cotton candy
- Water bottles
- Soda
- Gatorade
Cash and credit cards are accepted at the food vendors. Prices are similar to sporting events, concerts, and other live venues.
You can also bring your own food and sealed water bottles into the stadium if you want to save money on concessions.
Can I Get Player Autographs?
One of the best parts of training camp is getting autographs from your favorite Bills players. Many players will stop after practice to sign autographs, especially for kids.
The main autograph area is near the VIP bleachers by the playing field. This is where players will exit at the end of practice. You want to be ready and waiting in this area before practice ends.
Some tips for autographs:
- Younger fans get priority, so have kids ready with items to sign
- Bring your own items like footballs, jerseys, helmets, posters etc. The team does not provide them.
- Sharpies work better than pens for autographs
- Don’t push or shove when players approach
- Saying thank you to players after signing is appreciated
If you don’t get an autograph the first day, try again another practice. Certain players are very gracious with fans while others sign less frequently.
Are Cameras Allowed?
Still cameras are permitted into training camp for fans to take pictures. Video cameras are prohibited, except for members of the working media.
There are limitations on what and how you can photograph at camp:
- No flash photography once practice begins as it can distract players
- No close-up shots of playbooks, play calling signals, or meetings between players and coaches
- No shots of nude or semi-nude players in the locker room
The Bills want fans to have fun and take great photos at training camp, but ask that common sense and courtesy is used regarding what is photographed, especially during practices and team interactions. Still photography focused on fans and staged player interactions (like autographs) is encouraged.
Should Kids Attend Training Camp?
Training camp makes for a fantastic family-friendly activity. Kids will love getting to see the players up close, catching flying footballs, getting autographs, and enjoying the overall exciting atmosphere.
Here are some tips for bringing kids:
- Bring umbrellas and regular sunblock for shade
- Consider bringing ear protection like headphones for loud noises
- Pack plenty of snacks and drinks
- Bring entertainment like tablets or books for downtimes
- Have kids wear a jersey or Bills shirt to get players’ attention for autographs
- Arrive early and let kids sit in front to see drills up close
Younger kids do better attending a shorter 1 to 2 hour practice session rather than a full 3 hour practice. Build in breaks to walk around and stretch out. Hydration is also key with lots of water. This allows kids to enjoy camp without getting cranky or overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear and bring to training camp?
Training camp is an outdoor event mostly in the sun. Recommended items to wear/bring include:
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Bills/NFL gear like jerseys and shirts
- Comfortable shoes as you’ll be standing a lot
- Hydration – bottles of water
- Autograph items like footballs, jerseys, posters
- Rain poncho in case of rain
- Layered clothing to adjust for changing temperatures
Can I buy Bills merchandise at training camp?
Yes, the Bills have merchandise tents set up at camp with a wide range of Bills gear for sale including jerseys, shirts, hats, footballs, pennants, and more. The merchandise available focuses on the current roster and recent draft picks.
Is training camp a good chance to get Bills tickets for the regular season?
Attending training camp has no direct impact on getting tickets for Bills regular season or playoff games. Tickets for the public practices are completely free. Regular season tickets must be purchased separately.
However, the excitement of seeing the team up close at camp may motivate you to want tickets for the games! Just beware of any unauthorized vendors making false promises about game tickets tied to attending camp.
What should I do if inclement weather is forecast for practice?
Training camp practices are held rain or shine, unless there is a threat of lightning. Be sure to monitor the weather forecast leading up to your planned practice day. If rain is likely, bring proper gear like ponchos and umbrellas. For heavy rain, the team may move practice indoors to the field house which is much smaller capacity.
Is training camp fun for out-of-town fans making the trip to Rochester?
Absolutely! Many Bills fans plan vacation time around coming to training camp. The practices are fun and interactive events with lots of opportunities to see players up close. Rochester also provides a nice summer getaway with parks, museums, restaurants and other attractions to enjoy when not at camp.
Conclusion
Attending the Bills training camp provides a one-of-a-kind inside look at the team as they build towards the NFL season. Fans of all ages will enjoy seeing the top players in action up close and personal. Use the tips provided to have the best experience getting tickets, attending practices, meeting players, and making it an unforgettable Bills trip!