Guide for fans to Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2012 training camp

A fan's guide to camp

The Bucs report for training camp today and will hold the first of eight practices open to the public on Friday. Here's a rundown of what you need to know if you're planning to attend.

Admission

The Bucs no longer require tickets or passes to attend practices. Instead, fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to sit

Workouts during public practices are being restricted to Field 3, which maximizes opportunities for viewing. Virtually all seating is shaded and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (There is reserved seating for disabled fans.) The sideline seating is, perhaps, most ideal. But if you want to get a good view of goal-line drills, opt for the end zone seating on the south end of the field.

Concessions and merchandise

The Bucs are offering dis­counted concessions during camp. Also, there are opportunities to purchase team merchandise, featuring recently released NFL apparel.

Autographs and more

Fans will have opportunities to get autographs during each public practice, with players likely to be signing during or afterward. Also, Bucs cheerleaders and mascot Captain Fear will be interacting with fans during practices. For details, go to Buccaneers.com.

Directions, parking

Fans are asked not to enter One Buc Place from the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance. Instead, there will be an entrance along Himes Avenue, just north of Raymond James Stadium. Parking is free.

Training camp

Where: One Buc Place, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just east of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Admission: Free

Et cetera: All practices are weather permitting and subject to change. For updates, go to Buccaneers.com.

Schedules

Public practices

Fri.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Sat.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Sun.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Wed.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 3: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 4: 6:30 to 9 p.m. *

Aug. 6: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 7: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

* Intrasquad scrimmage at Raymond James Stadium; free parking, autograph sessions, $1 hot dogs and soft drinks, and fireworks

Preseason games

Aug. 10: at Dolphins, 7:30, Ch. 10

Aug. 17: Titans, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Aug. 24: Patriots, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Aug. 29: at Redskins, 7:30, Ch. 10

* Subject to blackout

Regular season

Sept. 9: Panthers, 4:25, Ch. 13 *

Sept. 16: at Giants, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 23: at Cowboys, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 30: Redskins, 4:25, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 14: Chiefs, 1, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 21: Saints, 1, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 25: at Vikings, 8:20, NFL Network

Nov. 4: at Raiders, 4, Ch. 13

Nov. 11: Chargers, 1, Ch. 10 *

Nov. 18: at Panthers, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 25: Falcons, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 2: at Broncos, 4, Ch. 13

Dec. 9: Eagles, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 16: at Saints, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 23: Rams, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 30: at Falcons, 1, Ch. 13

* Subject to blackout