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Bears release training camp schedule

Fans hoping to see Bears coach Marc Trestman's inaugural training camp will have to be early risers.

Eleven of the Bears' 13 training camp practices open to the public will begin at 9 a.m. The only 3:15 practice at Olivet Nazarene University in far south suburban Bourbonnais is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 11. The only night practice this year is the Bears Family Fest at 6:45, Saturday, Aug. 3, at Soldier Field. Tickets for that practice are $8-12 and can be purchased by (800) 745-3000 or at www.ticketmaster.com. All practices at ONU are free, as is parking.

This will be the Bears' 12th year in Bourbonnais, and the practice schedule is distinctly different from Lovie Smith's final season in 2012, when workouts were alternated among morning, afternoon and evening.

The team portions of Trestman's practices (the segments when the offense runs plays against the defense) will begin at approximately 10 a.m. Players will stretch and run individual and positional drills from approximately 9-10 a.m. Practices are expected to last three hours, about an hour longer than most of Smith's practices.

This year's camp will feature a variety of new activities for fans, including live concerts with family-friendly music following practices on July 27 and Aug. 2, 5 and 11.

Camp grounds will remain open for about 90 minutes following each practice, and activities will include a kids' interactive area, radio remotes from local and national sports radio stations, a pro shop, promotional areas with games and prizes from Bears partners, and potential autograph opportunities with Bears players and coaches.

Ladies Day on Wednesday, July 31, will feature arts and crafts, an on-site salon and spa services, summer hair styling and special giveaways. The Bears BBQ Bash on Friday, Aug. 2, will offer food and beverage and fans can receive autographs from Bears alumni.

Armed Forces Day Monday, Aug. 5, features special reserved bleacher seating for those who dress in uniform, and a band from the U.S. Navy will perform.

For more information on any of these events and training camp, please go to chicagobears.com/events/training-camp.html.

Ÿ Follow Bob's NFL reports on Twitter @BobLeGere, and check out his Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com/sports.

Bears training camp practice schedule

Day, Date: Practice time

Friday, July 26: 9 a.m. (NO PADS)

Saturday, July 27: 9 a.m. (NO PADS)

Sunday, July 28: 9 a.m.

Monday, July 29: 9 a.m.

Tuesday, July 30: no practice

Wednesday, July 31: 9 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1: 9 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 2: 9 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3: 6:45 p.m. at Soldier Field

Sunday, Aug. 4: no practice

Monday, Aug. 5: 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 7: 9 a.m.

Thursday Aug. 8: Practice closed to the public

Friday, Aug. 9: Bears at Panthers

Saturday, Aug. 10: no practice

Sunday, Aug. 11: 3:15 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 12: 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 13: 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 14: Team breaks camp (closed to the public)

Where: Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, about 60 miles south of Chicago.

Directions: Tri-State Tollway (I-294) south to Rte. 80 west to Rte. 57 south to Rte. 50 south (Bradley/Bourbonnais Exit 315). Take the first right on Armour Road. At the second stop light, go left onto Convent St. (Rtes. 45/52). Follow Convent St. as it curves past side entrance to campus on the left, and proceed to main entrance.

Admission: Free.

Gates open: At 9 a.m. for morning practices; at approximately 2:30 for the 3:15 practice.

Practice format: The team portions of practices (the segments in which the offense runs plays against the defense) will begin at approximately 10 a.m. Players will stretch and run individual and positional drills from approximately 9-10 a.m.

Parking: Free. Lots will open one hour before gates open.

Note: All dates and times are subject to change. Go to Chicagobears.com for updates.

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