Attending KC Chiefs training camp: Schedule, autographs, parking, seating, and more

Chiefs training camp location

At one point in time, years and years ago, there was value in a news organization posting directions to camp. But this is 2013 which means you can look up directions on your own. It's at Missouri Western State University in St. Joe. This link will take you there. More directions if that doesn't work.

You will (likely) enter on the south end of campus. Once on campus you'll follow the outer road all the way around to the back where you'll see a big parking lot. Park there and you can walk up to camp.

MWSU has a map of training camp. The fields in the back are what you're looking for.

Cost and parking

It is $5 per vehicle to park each day.* It is also a $5 admission fee on the first day, Friday, July 26, with children three and under free to enter. Buses and RVs cost $15 to park each day.

Every other camp day outside of day one is free admission. Just the money to park.

For power-campers, you can buy a season pass for $35 at the Looney Complex 229 between 8-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

You are allowed to tailgate so long as you take up just one parking spot. Just throw your trash away and don't bring any alcohol in because that is not allowed.

The gates will open one hour prior to practice and close one hour after practice, according to MWSU.

Seating

There are bleachers along one side of the practice fields. They say they fit 1,800 people. You can also stand along the sidelines.

If you can handle the heat, I would recommend sitting on the hill behind the goalposts. You can catch Ryan Succop's kicks! (You can also find me in the media tent right above that.)

What to bring to camp

• Water. Lots of it. It's hot out there. You can bring in one bottle. The Chiefs will be offering free water.
• Sun tan lotion. I will say this: DON'T BE AN IDIOT. WEAR SUN TAN LOTION. You don't want your face looking like a catcher's mitt when you're 40 years old. Also, you could be a potential Arrowhead Pride reader for years so I don't you need to go dying on me now.
• Umbrella. Last year the Chiefs had shade tents. I'm not sure if they're doing that again this year. If they have shade tents, you can leave this at home.
• Cash. You can buy drinks and food at the complex. You also have to pay for parking. There is a tent with Chiefs merchandise as well.
• Your kids. They're welcome. There is a kids zone with stuff for them to do if they're not yet breaking down the 3-4 defense.
• Chairs. If you're not looking to sit on the bleachers.

What not to bring to camp

From MWSU:

• Firearms, weapons of any type or fireworks

• Coolers - any size, any type

• Plastic, metal or glass cups, cans or containers (Sealed bottles of water are allowed)

• Thermos bottles or flasks

• Food

• Beer or liquor or cigarettes (no smoking)

• Video cameras or professional cameras/lenses

• Flammable liquids

• Noisemakers - air horns, klaxon, bells, whistles, etc.

• Boom boxes

• Laser pointers of any type, poles or rods

• Any other items deemed dangerous or unacceptable by security

The best days to attend

The first day on Friday, July 26, is a good one to attend. That is the only non-8:15 a.m. start. Friday's practice starts at 3:30 p.m. The entire team will sign autographs afterward.

Sunday, July 28, the Chiefs will be allowed to put on pads for the first time. Andy Reid has not yet confirmed that's the day they'll do it.

Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 3, is another good one to attend. The entire team will sign autographs.

The final day, Wednesday, August 14, is another one to attend. Especially if you didn't go to any other practices. This is your last chance.

There is no night practice this year, unfortunately.

Week days probably won't be that crowded considering people have to, you know, work for a living and the practices are in the morning. Weekends are your next best bet.

If it rains

Practice will be moved indoors and therefore not open to the public.

Best time and place to get autographs

There are two full-team autograph days: Day one (July 26) and Family Fun Day (August 3). Everyone will sign after practice on those days. You can also get autographs at every practice but it's hit or miss on who is signing.

When you walk down to the practice fields, you'll want to walk to the hill that is on your left if you're looking straight at the fields. The media is allowed behind the gate on the hill and that's where we will interview players. As they are walking up that hill after practice, fans will line up along that railing for autographs.

Start heading up to that hill before practice ends so you can get a good spot on the railing. Cute kids will help your case in getting an autograph.

My two favorite autograph stories: this one on Eric Berry and this one on Donald Stephenson. The players actually care (some of them, at least).

Where to eat in St. Joe

I need help with this one. St. Joe locals, please provide some good spots in the comments.

I ate at Barbosa's, a Mexican restaurant, that was pretty good. Unfortunately that's all I've had up there (besides lots and lots of gas station snacks).

Full Chiefs training camp schedule

Every practice listed here is open to the public.

Friday, July 26 - Practice - 3:30 p.m. - $5 Admission Fee -

First Practice Open to the Public - Entire Team Autograph Session

Saturday, July 27 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Sunday, July 28 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Monday, July 29 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Tuesday, July 30 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Wednesday, July 31 - No Practice

Thursday, Aug. 1 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 2 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

"American Family" Fun Day - Entire Team Autograph Session

Sunday, Aug. 4 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 5 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 7 - No Practice

Thursday, Aug. 8 - Team Travel Day - No Practice

Friday, Aug. 9 - Preseason Game No. 1 - Chiefs at Saints - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 10 - No Practice

Sunday, Aug. 11 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Monday, Aug. 12 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 - Practice - 8:15 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 15 - Team Travel Day - No Practice - Camp in St. Joseph Breaks

Friday, Aug. 16 - Preseason Game No. 2 - Chiefs vs. 49ers - 7 p.m.

* Weather and field conditions are evaluated daily. All dates and times provided are subject to change.