AFL Rush announces training camp dates

The Chicago Rush officially will begin its quest to regain the ArenaBowl title when its players report on Jan. 29.

The Rush will conduct a three-day mini-camp Jan. 30 through Feb. 1, followed by the opening of training camp on Feb. 4.

"We feel like we've added a great deal of talent to our roster this off-season and we cannot wait to hit the field to see how it all is going to come together," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee.

The team's 37-man training camp roster includes 13 players who return from the 2007 squad that went 12-4 and won the Central Division title before advancing to the American Conference championship.

Highlighting the team's new additions are: quarterback Sherdrick Bonner, voted one of the 20 Greatest Players in AFL history; all-Arena receiver Damian Harrell, the 2005 and 2006 AFL Offensive Player of the Year; and all-Arena fullback Dan Alexander, who set an AFL record in 2007 with 41 rushing touchdowns.

In addition, 17 rookies will attend camp, each vying for spots on the team's 24-man roster.

The Rush will travel to Columbus during camp for a day of practices against the Destroyers on Feb. 11, and a live scrimmage on Feb. 12.

All other training camp workouts will be held at the team's practice facility, Grand Sports Arena, located at 2350 Hassell Road in Hoffman Estates, and are open to the public.

Rush practice schedule

Mini-camp (no pads)

Jan. 30 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Jan. 31 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 1 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Training camp

Feb. 4 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 5 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 6 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 7 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 8 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 11 - Practice vs. Columbus Destroyers (in Columbus)

Feb. 12 - Scrimmage vs. Columbus Destroyers (in Columbus)

Feb. 14 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 15 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 16 - Practice time TBD

Feb. 17 - Practice time TBD

Feb. 18 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 19 - 7:50 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (Final Training Camp Practice)

All practices (except where noted) will be held at the team's practice facility, Grand Sports Arena, located at 2350 Hassell Road in Hoffman Estates. Times subject to change.