Camp Countdown presented by M&T Bank will examine some of the more pressing issues facing the team on the field as they make their final preparations for the regular season. We also focus on a few different areas that impact the team off the field. We'll address these subjects one at a time until training camp begins. Here now is the latest daily installment as we carefully probe for some of the answers the Buffalo Bills have to come up with between July 30 and the Sept. 13 opener at Ralph Wilson Stadium against Indianapolis.
1. The Pegula Era Begins
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This is the start of a new era.
July 31 will mark the Pegulas' first training camp as owners of the Bills at the team's longtime training camp facility at St. John Fisher College.
2.Rex Ryan … need I say more?
Rex Ryan is vivacious. He is entertaining. He is exciting. The name pretty much speaks for itself.
The Bills' new coach will be as fun to watch as all of the action on the field.
3.Welcome Cleveland Browns
The Bills will host Rex Ryan's former defensive coordinator with the Jets, Mike Pettine, and his squad for two days of combined practices. The practices are Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. and Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
Buffalo has hosted the Browns at training camp in the past. The two teams faced off in the early 2000s. Cleveland last scrimmaged Buffalo at St. John Fisher in 2004.
The two clubs will then head back to Cleveland for a nationally televised preseason game Aug. 20 on ESPN at 8 p.m.
4. Best Fans=Bills Fans!
We already know that Bills fans are the best in the NFL.
With that being said, the fans have a pretty nice setup at St. John Fisher.
From food and beverage, to great sight lines throughout, fans will enjoy the entire practice-watching experience. With bleacher and wheelchair-accessible seating available in the grandstands, an up-close view of everything that happens on the field is easy to secure.
5. "Portable" Bills Store
Need new Bills gear?
No problem.
At Bills training camp, you will find everything you will need. Be sure to check out the air-conditioned Team Store Merchandise Tent with all new Bills camp gear, Nike, and New Era.
6. Kid Zone
Both children and parents will enjoy this.
The Bills will to host kids-themed interactive area with a Bills slide, football throw, field-goal kicking, obstacle course and more!
7. The Kid's Autograph Tent
The tent is only open at the conclusion of every morning practice. Two players and Billy Buffalo occupy the tent for approximately 15 minutes after practice. Autographs are limited to children ages 14 and under, and only 1 item can be signed per person. The schedule is not finalized yet, but it will be posted on the site when it's complete. http://www.buffalobills.com/team/training-camp/autograph-zone.html
8. "The Bills Experience" & Camp Activities
One of the highlights for fans who visit the Buffalo Bills Training Camp is the Bills Experience area adjacent to the practice fields. This will be open whenever the Bills practice.
The Bills Experience area is ideal for kids as well as a great way to pass the time between sessions. This is open during all open practices in conjunction with our open hours to the public. It is adjacent to the grass practice field inside the Polisseni Track & Field Complex. (map attached)
Info on the specific games we have in the Bills Experience can be found here: http://www.buffalobills.com/team/training-camp/what-to-expect.html
9. 716 Food Truck
716 Food and Sport, a new restaurant which if frequently associated with growth in Buffalo and at HARBORcenter has been serving food across western New York. Now, the popular sports bar crafted a new menu with food on the go in mind. We are talking about the 716 Food Truck!
This delicious food will be making appearance at this year's training camp for you to enjoy!
10. Billy Buffalo
We all love Billy Buffalo!
You've seen him before, usually at the games.
But in addition to his game day activities, Billy Buffalo makes many public appearances each year, including visits to schools, hospitals, charitable events, and corporate events.
He will be at every practice this training camp.
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