2013 Redskins Training Camp

Hello Everybody! I know it has been a minute since you last heard from me. I've been jetting back and forth between here and California, and I have finally gotten a chance to chill for a moment. I promise I'll update you on my California adventures soon enough, but first let me tell you about my experience at the new Redskins Training Camp at Bon Secours, Richmond VA . I was able to score two VIP passes to training camp courtesy of WOW Redskins, so I took my sister along for the ride down I-95! It has been forever since I had been to training camp.  Because this is the first year that it will be in Richmond, I thought it would be the perfect time to go!

All smiles!

Look there's Brian Orakpo! He was looking good during training camp! Still taking it a little easy though!

Fun gif time of the training camp action! Can you believe there were thousands of people that showed up to training camp each day? It was such a fun atmosphere, almost like a festival with food vendors and all.

Yup. I love gifs and here's one of RGIII and the rest of the quarterbacks taking some snaps.

Special teams practicing with a soccer ball! 

The highlight of my training camp experience was at the end when we got a chance to meet the players up close, and get some autographs. Being in the VIP section, we were corralled off and couldn't leave until all the players went inside the building. This meant that we had to stay at least an hour after training camp was over; however, it was well worth the chance to get some autographs and see some players. Unfortunately, I didn't buy any merchandise for the players to sign because I honestly didn't think I was going to get any autographs...but luckily I was wrong. :)

Here's Logan Paulsen (TE) and right next to that pic is the shot of his autograph! Right next to Paulsen's autograph is Pat White's (QB)!

 

Here are Josh LeRibeus' (G) and Josh Morgan's (WR) autographs.

Here are Reed Doughty's (S) and Kai Forbath's (K) autographs. Thank God we stopped by the WOW booth beforehand and got these stickers.  Without them, I wouldn't have anything for the players to sign!  

I really was running out of things for the players to sign, so I resorted to getting my credentials signed. Here is Kory Lichtensteiger's signature. Showing the linemen some love as the hubby likes to say.

On the other side of my credentials, I got Chris Chester's autograph. #morelinemenlove

After my badge was all filled up, I resorted to using Jill's badge to get some autographs. Here is rookie WR Skye Dawson's autograph.

And one year vet, Chase Minnifield's (DB), autograph.

But the showpiece of them all can be seen below.

With the help of my sister's scouting, I was I able to score both RGIII and Alfred Morris' autograph! Whee! Despite being mobbed, they were both very kind in staying and signing autographs.

To cap off our long, but fun day, Jill and I walked over to nearby Buz and Ned's Real Barbeque of Bobby Flay Throwdown fame

All in all I would say the day was a complete success! Despite the somewhat long drive (especially because we hit traffic), I got to see the Skins' new training camp facilities, and I was able to get 12 autographs! #shouldveboughtafootball But who knows? If I did buy a football, I probably wouldn't have gotten as many autographs or any at all! Isn't that how it always is? :P I am super pumped for the upcoming season! #HTTR!

Women of Washington Redskins: An Evening with Coach Mike Shanahan

Did you know that the Washington Redskins has a club especially for its female fans? It's called the Women of Washington Redskins (WOW), and I just became a member not too long ago. Shortly after Memorial Day, WOW hosted a special chalk talk with Coach Mike Shanahan at Redskins Park in Ashburn. The event filled up fast, and I was glad that I signed up. I had never been to Redskins Park so I was looking forward to it!

I had to hustle after work to make the event (traffic going that way is terrible!), but I was treated to some wine and appetizers to nosh on upon my arrival. Yum!

 

Notice the sleeve. You better believe I had to rock the burgundy and gold before I came.

 

The room where the chalk talk took place was also the same room where the actual team watches game film.

They even showed a highlight reel of last season to get us pumped up!

Larry Michael from Redskins TV did the introductions. He sounds the same in person as he does on the radio!

Finally, Coach made his appearance, and he was ready to answer some questions! Excuse the blurry pictures, I was still getting the hang of the camera on my new phone. One thing that's certain is that Coach looked really sharp in his light gray suit!

The ladies asked a wide variety of questions from player specific questions to which player they should choose for their fantasy team (aka: the Alfred Morris "sleeper").  Some ladies even asked what Coach got RGIII for his wedding. It was pretty neat that he was open to answering all of our questions... 

After the Q&A session, it was time for the tour of Redskins Park!

I thought the weight room was pretty cool. Everything was emblazoned with the Redskins logo.

And look at this 150 pound dumbbell! Can you imagine a linebacker curling these? They might as well curl me! ;)

We walked by the Players' Club, which is an area exclusively for the players. No coaches, media, or visitors allowed...

Then I took some shots of the Wall of Fame.  Apparently there is a replica of this wall on the club level at FedEx Field.

Sean Taylor!

Here's a shot of where they eat. As you can see, it's a basketball court converted into a dining area.

They had several display cases in the rear the entrance of the facility. Here is Slingin' Sammy Baugh's original helmet. Can you believe how thin it is?

And of course you can't leave Redskins Park without taking a peek at the Super Bowl trophies!

Me with the trophies. Photo bombing my own picture, LOL.

Overall, it was a great experience! I had a great time at Redskins Park, and I hope WOW does more events like this in the future.