Miami Dolphins

Even though this is the place to see the players practice, there is not much more to do… This Saturday, the heat just beat the moment… Watching them practice only to have 5 (at 3:15) minutes of want to get your autograph and have most of the team not come… Well. For me it is been there doene that! Would not recommend to others. In my opinion, they should have some players walk with the «fans» for a couple of minutes during practice just to make it worth while for us fans… The cheerleader table was quite nice…
Cheers

Summer. Ever since I was in middle school, that word always meant no school & Dolphins Training Camp. I’ve consistently attended camp before they closed off the near parking garage for students; before the practice bubble; before the covered VIP bleachers; waaaay before Stephen Ross; toward the end of the Don Shula era
On my most recent visit, I felt inclined to express how different the experience has become. Long gone are the days of a welcoming training camp; when I used to park right next to the practice fields. This event used to be open admission. Granted, we don’t have to pay for tickets, but it’s more of a hassle now.
The practice bubble. Oh God, the practice bubble. A light sun shower started to come down & the team went inside for a «5min cooling break.» A cooling break?! Give me a break! I get that the NFLPA is much more active nowadays & may perhaps have something to do with it. But damn. The pansification of football extends to the training camp experience. Two-​a-​day practices used to be open to the public.
The media is now covering from the stands. Blocking spectators from their views. What the hell is that about?! They used to be confined to the one maybe two towers on field. Where are these fools coming from? Ugh.
Despite all this, I will still come out & support my team when I can. But damn. I can’t really say the changes have been for the better when it comes to the training camp experience.

Date/​Driving directions:
I attended the August 5, 2:00pm training session at the Miami Dolphins training facility in Davie. Driving directions were easy to navigate. As you drive into the facility there are plenty of signs directing you to parking for training camp.
Parking:
I parked in the parking garage right next to Dolphins training facility. I would recommend arriving somewhat early to find a parking spot. Even though it was a Wednesday afternoon, parking was still full; I ended up parking on the top level. However, parking is FREE. You can opt to take the elevator or staircase down. I opted for the staircase because I was running a little late finding parking. I brought my backpack with a football and my camera. To enter the facility you have to show the content of your bag (s).
Inside the facility/​what to bring:
The bleachers were 60% full. The day I went it was 90+ degrees, the heat index must have been in the 100’s. There is limited seating under shade, so bring sun block, wear a hat, whatever is necessary to stay cool. IT WAS HOT! But once you’re there you are immediately distracted with players running drills on the field in front of you. I took some great photos. I saw people with video cameras and SLR’s, but no lenses over 7−8″.
Practice/​Food/​Drinks:
Drills last about 15 minutes each and then a horn blows. There are what looks to be 2 regulation size football fields. Players are grouped into positions on different parts of the field. So you will eventually see your favorite player (s) up close. After about an hour I was thirsty and went to the concession stand underneath the bleachers. Out of luck, the concession is CASH only. Oh well, I resorted to using the ice-​cold water fountain. The concession provides drinks and stadium food (hotdogs, fries, chicken tenders, etc.) There are bathroom facilities as well.
Will my kids enjoy it?
Will my kids have a good time? Depends on their age and their enthusiasm with the team. I noticed younger kids growing frustrated because of the heat. Kids in their teens were fine and were spotting players by number as they looked at their roster sheets.
What happens at the end:
Right before practice is about to end, fans start to line up at the fence in front of the bleachers. Practice ends after the players complete light stretching and sprints. At the time some players walk over and give autographs and chat with fans. I brought an autograph ball and got plenty of autographs. Every player on the team does not come over and give autographs. I think they schedule it by day. Remember everyone is trying to get autographs so it will get crowded fast, and you may get squashed, momentarily. I got some nice photos and autographs and called it a day.
Would I recommend:
Yes, it seemed like most people there enjoyed it. How couldn’t you, it’s totally FREE? Just remember it can get really hot. Oh, and yeah you can’t bring umbrellas. GO DOLPHINS!