Ah, Broncos training camp 2011...though Tim Tebow will not be there. (personal photo)

Who’s ready for training camp?

It’s coming soon – as in a month.

The Denver Broncos have released their 2012 training camp schedule. Practices are open to the public and free. There are 18 practices, including one at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.  The other practices will be held at the team’s training facility in Englewood.

Here is the schedule:

Enjoy a practice with some fellow Denver Broncos fans. (personal photo)

• Thursday, July 26 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Friday, July 27 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Saturday, July 28 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Sunday, July 29 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Monday, July 30 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 1 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 2 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 3 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 4 – 3:30-6:05 p.m. (Sports Authority Field at Mile High)
• Monday, Aug. 6 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 7 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 8 – 8:50-11:00 a.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 11 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Monday, Aug. 13 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 14 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 15 – 2:20-5 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 16 – 8:50-11:30 a.m.
• Friday, Aug. 17 – 8:50-11:00 a.m.

*Please note dates and times are subject to change

What to know before you go…

Now a somewhat seasoned Denver Broncos training camp attendee, here are my suggestions.  Yes, some are obvious, but are nonetheless worth sharing:

Play hooky: It’s not something I should endorse, but will anyway; it goes without saying weekday practice sessions are less crowded than weekend practices.  If you have the opportunity to attend a weekday practice, do that.

Remember that “Early bird gets the worm” adage: Gates open one hour before the scheduled start of practice, but assuming you’re visiting a weekend practice, consider arriving at Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre about 90 minutes early – if only for the prime parking.

Life in the 40s: The team will utilize the entire field for position drills, but treat practice like a game: The best seats are midfield, so find a space between the 40s.  Lawn chairs are not allowed, giving practice more of a picnic-inspired affair.

I wrote it last year, and I stand by my statement: I want one of these. (personal photo)

Hungry? Thirsty? Come prepared: Non-alcoholic drinks will be for sale, but save some cash and bring along a beverage.  Food is not for sale, so if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to bring a light nosh.

Bag it: Soft-sided bags no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” are allowed…and perfect for storing aforementioned beverage and nosh.

Click but not roll: Though still cameras are allowed, no video cameras or uber-fancy detachable lens cameras. Exception: members of the media.

Autographs aplenty: Autographs will be available following each practice. Players will be designated by position on the west end of the practice fields.

I’ll see you in Englewood come late-July.

Follow Denver Horse Force on Twitter at @DENHorseForce and Facebook at www.facebook.com/denverhorseforce.