Thursday marked the first day the public could attend the Washington Commanders’ training camp at the team’s Ashburn, Virginia, facilities. A large crowd of hopeful fans showed up to get a glimpse of the team’s new roster — and the team’s new owners.
(If you’re planning to check out training camp yourself, here’s everything you need to know.)
WTOP Sports Director George Wallace spent some time talking to fans and members of the team.
Training Camp day 2. Fans are here as is Josh Harris, Mitch Rales and @Markein Appearances by Montez Sweat and Terry. @wtop #Commanders pic.twitter.com/wm7MTtvqnu
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) July 27, 2023
As new team owner Josh Harris arrived with his business partners Mitchell Rales and Mark Ein around 9:20 a.m., attendees cheered and flocked for autographs, with some chanting, “Thank you, Josh.”
“Thank you Josh” pic.twitter.com/LolQNKG7yt
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) July 27, 2023
Many fans WTOP spoke with described a new energy surrounding the team.
“There’s a different vibe. You can feel it’s very positive,” said Brandy Hatcher, of Falls Church, Virginia.
James Lindsay, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, stopped in St. Mary’s County to see his parents and pick up his dad to visit Ashburn. “We’re not … a laughingstock of the league anymore,” he said.
Arabia Tiller, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, came with her son and her mom to check out the training camp. “I’m a native Washingtonian and I stand by my Commanders,” she said.
Tiller’s mom, Denise Jackson, is one of the fans who would like to see the team jettison the Commanders name. But in any case, “I’m here to support them because I believe in them, and I think we’re gonna do great things especially under the new ownership,” she said.
Shuttle buses from Dulles Town Center brought fans to Commanders Park every 10 minutes. The first group arrived shortly after 7:45 a.m.
Gates opened at 8 a.m. Practice started at 9 a.m.
First day of @Commanders training camp for fans in Ashburn. ‘Rally Captain’ has arrived. @WTOP will be here all morning. pic.twitter.com/Onm3W3wEq2
— Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) July 27, 2023
1st day fans can check out @Commanders training camp. Here’s what you need to know: https://t.co/jxRG035fGS pic.twitter.com/4SJYInHrmO
— Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) July 27, 2023
- Listen to WTOP online and on the radio at 103.5 FM or 107.7 FM for sports updates at :25 and :55 past the hour.
- FAQ: Here’s how you can check out Commanders’ training camp
- Commanders camp opens with new owner Josh Harris in attendance and the buzz of a ‘clean slate’
- ‘Fired up’ Ron Rivera ready for Commanders’ training camp
- New Commanders owner Josh Harris aims to earn trust, win back disgruntled fans
DOs:
- Bring ice and water
- Wear sunscreen or a hat
- Bring a comfortable camping chair or picnic blanket
- Bring money for the food trucks
DON’Ts:
- Bring outside food or alcohol
- Bring video cameras or record during plays
WTOP’s John Domen, Kate Corliss and Jack Moore contributed to this report.
