The Redskins "will not provide daily attendance figures" for training camp in Richmond this year, according to Matthew Paras of the RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH. That comes after last year’s total of 80,888 "was down from past years, and well short of the 100,000 visitors that economic impact estimates" from the city were based on. This year’s attendance is expected to be lower than in '15, with "no visiting team and fewer weekend practices, which drew the most fans." Attendance for the first day of camp on Thursday "appeared to take a significant hit," as an "estimated 1,000 fans" showed up. Last year’s total attendance was down 51% after a "total of 167,749 was reported" in '14. The Redskins during their first year in Richmond in '13 "drew a total of 165,571, or an average of 10,348" per day. An average of 6,222 people attended each day last year. This year’s training camp "will be open to the public for 13 days, the same number as last year" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 7/29).
WE'RE TALKIN' ABOUT PRACTICE: In Boston, Jim McBride notes 12,393 fans attended the opening day of Patriots training camp on Thursday. QB Tom Brady "received the loudest cheers of the day," and TE Rob Gronkowski "got his fair share of booming ovations and he would often acknowledge the crowd with a fist pump" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/29).
