RICHMOND, Va – Redskins fans came out to the opening day of the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Camp in Richmond Thursday, despite the extreme heat.
People traveled from all over, saying a little bit of sweat wouldn’t stop them from supporting their team.
"I've been a fan since I was born pretty much,” said Edwards Switzer, a fan.
Tony and Megan Morgan came all the way from Delaware.
"True fans, this is our fourth year,” said Tony.
The first day of Redskins training camp is full of excitement.
"We have a good offense, good defense, good coaching staff, we're going to be great,” said Michael Sanders.
One not so great thing is the sweltering temperatures; with the heat index, the temperature will reach triple digits.
Fans and health officials offered tips on how to brave the heat.
"It's hot but it's opening day and it's what I love to do so I gotta watch the team. We got Powerade and water so we're stocked up to stay hydrated,” said Switzer.
"Drink a lot of water, have umbrellas and go in the misting tent,” said the Morgans.
"I ain't worried about no heat, heat don't bother me. I'm an old soldier. I’m drinking my water, go get my some Gatorade keep my body nice and cool,” said Sanders.
That's exactly what nurses on site say you should do—stay hydrated.
"Drink plenty of water before you come to camp, drink plenty of water while you're here at camp," said Casey Shinault with Bon Secours St. Mary's Emergency Center. "Avoid alcohol the night before. Avoid as much caffeine as possible."
Crews are ready to treat spectators for heat-related emergencies if necessary.
"If it's simple just rest and ice and fans here at the tent. If it's something more, we take you to the treatment area. And then we can transport you to the hospital if needed,” said Shinault.
Shinault says it's common to see heat issues on days like Thursday, so the goal is to prevent emergencies.
"We have a walking team that walks through park occasionally and looks for people who are sweating profusely, making sure everyone is OK,” said Shinault.
Organizers had discussed possibly moving the afternoon practice indoors because of storms headed to Richmond. But as of noon, they say practice will go on as scheduled at 3 p.m.
Training camp runs through August 14, with Fan Appreciation Day on August 13.
DATE |
CAMP OPENS |
MORNING WALKTHROUGH | AFTERNOON PRACTICE | CAMP CLOSES |
|
Thursday, July 28 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Friday, July 29 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, July 30 Military Appreciation Day |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Sunday, July 31 |
OFF | ||||
Monday, August 1 | 9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Tuesday, August 2 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Wednesday, August 3 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Special Teams Practice |
5:00 p.m. | |
Thursday, August 4 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Friday, August 5 |
12:00 p.m. | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Practice | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, August 6 |
OFF | ||||
Sunday, August 7 |
12:00 p.m. | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, August 8 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | |
Tuesday, August 9 Kids Day |
12:30 p.m. | 1:35 - 3:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, August 10 |
OFF | ||||
Thursday, August 11 |
OFF | Preseason Game 1: Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons Kickoff at 7:00 p.m. ET |
|||
Friday, August 12 |
OFF | ||||
Saturday, August 13 Fan Appreciation Day |
11:30 a.m. | 1:35 - 3:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, August 14 |
9:30 a.m. | 10:35 - 11:35 a.m. | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m |