Sports News Southwest

San Diego, California - The long and winding road to Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida begins on Friday, July 25 when the two-time defending AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers return to Chargers Park for Training Camp 2008.

Norv Turner and his talented roster that includes superstars LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Shawne Merriman and Jamal Williams along with top draft choices Antoine Cason and Jacob Hester will hold their first full-squad practice from 4-6 p.m. at Chargers Park.

Chargers Training Camp is always a memorable experience for fans of all ages. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s leading franchises in action.

Bleacher seating is available for outstanding views of the entire practice field. Throughout Training Camp, there will be visits from the 2008 Charger Girls as well as former players. Fans will get the opportunity to meet select players after every practice, while concession stands offer plenty of food and beverage choices along with the latest Chargers merchandise, including shirts, hats and jerseys.

Parking around Chargers Park is limited.  On weekdays, parking is available on the street behind (east of) the Holiday Inn located at 3805 Murphy Canyon Rd.  Overflow parking is available at the Holiday Inn.  For weekend and night practices, parking is available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park.  Parking on Murphy Canyon Rd. is allowed ONLY on weekends.  There is no shuttle service from the stadium.

Saturday, Aug. 2 will be a big day for Chargers fans as FanFest 2008, presented by Bud Light, returns to Qualcomm Stadium. Players will be signing autographs for fans 14 and under beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a performance by the Charger Girls and a practice from 11-1 p.m.  Nearly 10,000 fans annually attend the team’s most popular and FREE training camp event.

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the team will hold an autograph session for youngsters 14 and under beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by an evening practice from 7-9:20 p.m. The gates will open at 6:00 and fans will get a chance to meet the team before practice.  At this special night practice, kids will also enjoy temporary tattoo artists, balloon artists, interactive games and everyone will be treated to behind-the-scenes shots on a giant NeoVision board.

The final open practice for the public is Thursday, August 14 at 4:00 p.m.

Hats and sunscreen are recommended. Beach chairs, coolers, snacks, soft drinks and water are allowed. Alcoholic beverages, video cameras, pets and weapons of any kind are NOT PERMITTED.

The Chargers’ preseason home schedule includes games against the Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 9) and Seattle Seahawks (ESPN Monday Night Football, Aug. 25), and tickets are still available for both games by logging onto www.Chargers.com or calling Ticketmaster at 619-220-TIXS.

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