[TopekaRoy]

The Chicago Bears will kick off Staples Bears Training Camp presented by Chase on Friday, July 30th on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL for the 9th consecutive year. The site, which is located about 60 miles south of Chicago, provides the Bears with four practice fields, air conditioned locker rooms, dining facilities, a weight room, meeting rooms and dorms for players, staff and media.

As always Staples Bears Training Camp will allow fans an opportunity to watch the team practice for FREE. Gates will open one hour prior to the start of all practice sessions. Staples Bears Training Camp provides a family-friendly atmosphere, which includes the Jewel-Osco Inflatable Kids Zone, Junior Training Camps, Staples Kids Only Autograph Sessions (*On Select Days ONLY), Staples Bears Pride Poster Contest (*On Select Days ONLY), giveaways, games and much more.

Theme days and special events this year will include the familiar Armed Forces Day, Comcast Hispanic Day, Family Night at ONU, Comcast Family Night at Soldier Field presented by Chase, Run with Staley, Youth Football Day and Staples Bears Training Camp Safety Service Day featuring several Kankakee area safety service organizations.

I know "in this day and age" it has to be done, but does anyone else think the corporate sponsorships are getting out of hand? At least the Chicago Park District hasn't sold naming rights to Soldier Field!

Anyway, I'm very excited about training camp, and I can't wait for the first preseason game!