The Redskins opened their first training camp yesterday
at Redskin Park in Ashburn, VA, and became the first NFL
team to charge admission for the practice sessions. In DC,
Eric Fisher writes that about 2,800 fans attended the camp
as "few appeared deterred" by the $10 parking fee, $10
admission price or "sky-high" prices for food and apparel.
The attendance was "less than the team expected and was
boosted by 2-for-1 ticket vouchers" distributed throughout
Loudon County, but the attendance was "larger than the team
usually drew" at its previous camp site at Frostburg State
Univ. in MD. Redskins President Steve Baldacci, on the
admission charge: "All of the discussion about charging can
be put to rest. The fans have decided. This was not a
business decision. We believe we have delivered value to
the fans" (WASHINGTON TIMES 7/21). FSN's Chris Myers cited
Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder as saying "it's less a business
decision than a gift to the fans." Myers: "Notice I didn't
say, 'free' gift." Myers reported that other features at
the camp, besides "a sweaty Deion Sanders, Jeff George and
Bruce Smith," includes interactive games, such as extra
point kicking and 40-yard dash running, as well as food and
drinks and merchandise. Myers: "Assuming the average family
of four would buy T-shirts and hats as well as lunch, their
trip to Redskins Park would cost $160 -- and you don't see a
game. I'm no financial wizard or accounting major but that
might soften the blow of certain free-agent signings to a
team" (FSN, 7/20). Redskins coach Norv Turner, on the fees:
"I took two children and their friends to a really bad
movie. After I paid for the movie and popcorn and drinks,
it was about 70 bucks. You get a heck of a lot better
afternoon's entertainment out here" (USA TODAY, 7/21).
CAMP REAX: In DC, Liz Clarke writes that while "some
people believed" the fees at the camp were "audacious" and
"excessive," there were "few complaints." Baldacci said the
Redskins were providing "a tremendous value" to fans, and
noted that the team's cheerleaders would perform on
Saturday, while Sunday's practice would feature an
intrasquad scrimmage. Baldacci also said that it was
"highly unlikely" the camp would yield a profit because the
cost of holding camp at the Redskin Park facility was
"roughly" $2M, including erecting bleachers and tents, while
housing players in a nearby hotel (WASHINGTON POST, 7/21).
In VA, Jack Bogaczyk writes that a hot dog cost $2, soda $3
and beer $5 at the camp, while an official NFL ball cost
$80, a sleeveless, 100%-wool Redskins sweater $110 and a 24-
pack of plastic forks, knives and spoons with the team logo
was $6.50. Bogaczyk: "The bottom line ... is that if
[Snyder] didn't introduce practice-for-pay to NFL fans, some
other owner would have, and soon" (ROANOKE TIMES, 7/21). In
Denver, Jim Armstrong writes that the "locals were so
outraged" at the fees that those who attended the camp,
"most decked out in burgundy and gold," decided to "let
their feelings be known." Redskins fan Earl Thompson, a 75-
year-old retiree, on the fees: "They don't even give you a
senior citizens discount. I'm well aware it costs a lot to
operate this place, but he's [Snyder] trying to drain every
dime he can get. He'll get it, too. Redskins fans are very
loyal" (DENVER POST, 7/21).
