Rams Begin Training Camp With Expectations Of A Super Bowl Berth

IRVINE, CA — The Los Angeles Rams will conduct their first practice of their 2018 training camp Thursday at UC Irvine amid optimism the team will contend for a Super Bowl berth following their first NFC West title since 2003.

The practice is set to begin at 3 p.m., with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Parking will be available in the Mesa Parking Structure, next to the Bren Events Center. Fans are encouraged to purchase parking passes in advance for the discounted rate of $10 at TheRams.com/TrainingCamp.

Parking purchased in-person on the day of practice is $15.

The training camp includes an expanded fan activation area, which will open two hours prior to every practice. The area will include a DJ, face painting, interactive photo experience, enter-to-win opportunities and a virtual reality gaming tent.

Another change to training camp is there will be select bleachers that will be shaded. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

At all of the 12 practices open to the general public children 5 to 14 years old have the opportunities to be selected to get autographs from players after practice and to participate in the Rams Rookies program, in which they are paired with a player during the autograph signing, get autographs and help their paired player carry his equipment off the field.

Parents or guardians can register their children for the programs in the Rams Kids Club tent in the Fan Zone.

The team's linebackers and special teams players will sign autographs after Thursday's practice.

Fans will have the opportunity to form a Fan Tunnel when the players take the field for practice. Each practice, 20 fans along with a guest of their choosing will be selected to form the tunnel.

Fans must register in advance for the chance to take part in the Fan Tunnel at www. therams.com/fan-tunnel. The fans selected will be notified by the Rams 48 hours in advance of their respective date.

Fans may bring the following items to practice -- hats, jackets, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, umbrellas, and strollers.

The following items will not be permitted at training camp -- outside alcohol, outside food and beverage, coolers, glass containers, noise makers, loud radios, large signs or inappropriate attire.

Pets are not allowed, although service animals are permitted.

No weapons of any kind, regardless of persons with concealed carry handgun permits, will be allowed.

Fans may bring cameras. Flash photography is not allowed. Video cameras are prohibited.

UC Irvine is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.

The Rams second practice open to the general public will be Saturday, also beginning at 3 p.m. The first 3,000 fans will receive a Rams-branded sling backpack.

To attend any practice held on a Saturday or Sunday, fans must sign up in advance for their free ticket, which will be used to redeem the giveaway. The tickets are available at therams.com/freetickets.

All but one of the practices open to the general public will begin at 3 p.m. The exception is the final one, Aug. 16, which will begin at 9:45 a.m. The other open practices will be conducted July 29-30, Aug. 1-2, 4, 11-13 and Aug. 15.

City News Service; Photo Of Rams Ticket by Paige Austin