Fans Guide to Training Camp

Heading up to Albany? Here’s all you need to know.

What: New York Giants 2008 training camp
Where: Albany, New York’s state capital
Report Date: Thursday, July 24
First practice: Friday morning, July 25
Last practice: Sunday morning, Aug. 17


The Super Bowl champion Giants 2008 training camp will begin on Thursday, July 24, when all players must report to SUNY-Albany. The first practice session will take place the following morning.

All practice sessions will be open to the public.

There is no admission charged for watching training camp workouts, and paid parking is available in the campus lots. For the third consecutive summer, many of the Giants practices will take place in the evening, from 6:10-8:10, which the Giants hope will cut down on injuries while also allowing more fans a chance to attend. The Giants are traveling to U-Albany for the 13th consecutive summer, matching the longest period in the team's training camp history. Big Blue previously spent 13 summers at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y. from 1975-87.

The Giants, who have also trained in the states of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Oregon, previously worked out at Fairleigh Dickinson University (1988-95) in Madison, N.J. prior to their arrival in Albany.

In the 12 years that the Giants have trained at U-Albany, the preseason camp has averaged 31,032 fans per summer. The all-time mark of 45,040 was established in 2004.

Admission: Training camp practices are free and open to the public. On-campus paid parking is available.

Giants Hot Line: Fans are encouraged to call the Giants training camp hotline at 518-442-7369 to check practice times and locations, which are subject to change with little advance notice.

Daily Routine: Days with double sessions: 8:40-10:40 AM and 6:10-8:10 PM (Except opening weekend when the practices are 8:40-10:40 AM and 3:20-5:20 PM). Days with a single session: 2:40-4:40 PM (except preceding exhibition games, when there will be one morning jog-through session from 10:30-11:30).

Roster Cutdowns: The first roster cutdown to 75 players is Aug. 26. All clubs must have their roster down to a maximum of 53 players by Aug. 30. The following day clubs can begin assembling an eight-man practice squad.

Preseason Schedule: Aug. 7 at Detroit, Aug. 18 vs. Cleveland, Aug. 23 at Jets, Aug. 28 vs. New England

Fan Guidelines: Practice sessions will be open for viewing by the public daily throughout training camp. Limited seating is provided alongside the practice fields. Restroom facilities and concession stands will also be provided.

Concession stands will include food and beverages as well as other merchandise.

Fans wishing to get autographs are asked to do so after practice sessions, outside the practice field fence as the players return to the locker room. Because of the full schedules during camp, it is not possible to schedule autograph or photo sessions.

Groups wishing to visit training camp do not need to make special arrangements; they may watch practice from the bleachers.

Directions to SUNNY Albany:

From the North: Take Interstate 87 (Northway) South to Exit 1E. Off the exit, proceed to Interstate 90 East (Albany/Boston). Take Exit 2 (Washington Avenue), which leads right into the University at Albany campus. Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the South: Take Interstate 87 (Thruway) North to Exit 24. After the tollbooths, proceed onto Interstate 90 East towards Boston. Take Exit 2 (Washington Avenue), which leads right into the University at Albany campus. Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the East: Take Interstate 90 West towards Buffalo. Leave interstate at Exit 2 (Fuller Road). Turn left at Fuller Road, then take next left at Washington Avenue. The University at Albany campus is on your right. Upon entering campus, follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the West: Take Interstate 90 (Thruway) East to Exit 24. After the tollbooths, proceed onto Interstate 90 East towards Boston. Leave interstate at Exit 2 (Washington Avenue), which leads right into the University at Albany campus. Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).