Dolphins training camp tickets, tips, and rules

The Miami Dolphins will open their 2016 training camp this week, with the players reporting on Thursday, July 28. The team will then hold their first practice on Friday, a workout that will be open to the public. Throughout camp, the team will hold 12 practices open to the public, but what do you need to know about getting to the practices? What are some tips to make sure you have a good time at the practices?

We have you covered. Below you will find the practice schedule, the link to reserve your free tickets, and some dos and don’ts for heading to training camp.

Location

All practices will be held at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Free parking is available at the Nova Southeastern University LRITC garage, located near the intersection of University Drive and S.W. 30th Street, between Griffin Road and I-595. Access to this garage is off University Drive and S.W. 30th Street.

Practice Schedule

Practice times are subject to change, and the most updated information can be obtained by calling the Dolphins practice hotline at (954) 452-7004 or by visiting Dolphins.com/TrainingCamp.

Friday - July 29 - 9am
Saturday - July 30 - 8:35am
Sunday - July 31 - 8:35am
Monday - August 1 - 8:35am

Thursday - August 4 - 9am
Friday - August 5 - 8:35am

Monday - August 8 - 9am
Tuesday - August 9 - 8:35am
Wednesday - August 10 - 8:35am

(Preseason Game 1: @ New York Giants - August 12)

Monday - August 15 - 8:35am
Tuesday - August 16 - 8:35am
Wednesday - August 17 - 8:35am

(Preseason Game 2: @ Dallas Cowboys - August 19)

(Preseason Game 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Orlando) - August 25

(Preseason Game 4: vs. Tennessee Titans - September 1)

Tickets

The practices are all free, but do require you reserve your tickets for the day. The team allows for admittance to 2,000 fans each day. You can reserve tickets to each practice at Dolphins.com/TrainingCamp.

Canopy and other upgrades to the facilities

The team announced several upgrades with the fans in mind this year. The headline is, like the team’s home stadium, there will now be a canopy over the seating area for fans, protecting them from rain and adding shade. The team has also added a new area reserved for children 12 years old and younger will provide them with special access to get autographs from Dolphins players post practice. In addition, weekend practices will feature food trucks, inflatables and fun-filled games for fans and families.

Pro-tips for attending

• Clear Bag Policy - The NFL’s clear bag policy will be enforced during training camp. The rule reads: “One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and does not exceed 12” by 6” and 12” or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar). In addition to one of the clear bags noted above, fans may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection. Diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, will be able to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse, providing ample storage capacity.”
• Sunscreen/Water - Bring it. There is no excuse for not bringing both. You are in South Florida, in July and August. In case you have not noticed this, South Florida in July and August is a little warm. Protect yourself. Getting the worst sunburn of your life, or leaving the practice dehydrated or in an ambulance, could ruin a good day of getting to watch training camp. On this note, don't wear black to the practices either (there's a reason the Dolphins wear white at home). Even with the canopy, expect it to be warm.
• Seat cushions - Bring seat cushions/stadium seats to put on the bleachers so you will stay comfortable. You can also bring lawn chairs, and there is an area to use them, but this is limited.
• Binoculars - While not potentially lifesaving, a pair of binoculars could be just as important to you when you are at the practices. The Dolphins have two fields, a near- and a far-field. The team has said they are planning to conduct more practices on the near-field this year, so fans can get a better view, but there will still be times something you want to see is happening on the far field. You're going to want binoculars to be able to see what's happening.
• Cameras - Take one. Your phone is probably your go-to camera now-a-days, but you might want to consider taking a real camera. It will let you zoom better and have better resolution. The Dolphins limit cameras to with an under 8-inch lens and the flash must be turned off. Audio and video recordings are not permitted.
• Autographs - Not every player signs every day. Typically a position group comes over to the public area after practice each day. The exception is the first day, where the majority of the players will sign autographs. If you are not there on Friday, however, don't expect to see every member of the team whichever day you head to Davie. Also, consider buying an panel football - there will be times where you can throw it to the player, he will sign it and throw it back to you.
• Children’s Autographs - The new children’s autographs session will be for children 12-year-old and younger. The autograph opportunity will take place on the North end of the playing field. All kids who are interested in the opportunity are encouraged to visit the sign-up table with a guardian immediately upon arriving at the practice to receive a wristband. The child and the guardian must return to the signup table 30 minutes prior to the end of practice to be escorted to the autograph area.
• Concessions - There is a concession stand inside the gate with breakfast items, water, Gatorade, and soda.
• Pro Shop - There is a pro shop located near the gate to the practice field. It is open during practices and daily from 10am to 6pm.
• ATM - There is an ATM located in the pro shop.
• Weather - Other than the heat, the other thing a South Florida training camp guarantees is rain. If it is raining, the team will hold the entire practice in the practice bubble, and out of the view of the public. To keep up with the status of practice - and to make sure start times have not changed - you can call the Dolphins' practice hotline at (954) 452-7004 or the team's training camp website The team has also used the hashtag #FinsCamp on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Vine in the past to keep fans informed of any changes.
• ADA Accessibility - The training camp practices are ADA accessible, but the area is limited and is first-come, first-serve, just like the general admission seating. There will be designated parking spaces as well.
• Prohibited items - Alcohol; Food and drink (other than water); noise makers; laser pointers; umbrellas; poles; brooms; pets (service animals permitted); drones; weapons

Training Camp practice rules

We covered this in depth last week in our Training Camp Primer, but here are the basics. The first two days of practices may not include pads, under NFL rules. As of the third practice, the team can start using pads, as well as transition to “two-a-day” workouts, with the first practice padded (not exceeding three hours in pads total), followed by at least a three hour break, and then a second practice, but only a “walk-through” type of workout (defined as no helmets and conducted at half-speed following the snap).

Quarterbacks, kickers, punters, and long-snappers are allowed to wear pads outside of padded practices if they choose (helmets and shoulder pads). The league also allows for helmets on players who have suffered a head injury if it is considered a precautionary measure, as well as allowing helmets to be worn by quarterbacks and defensive players who receive communication from coaches through the helmet speakers.