Bears to begin training camp a week early

Because they're playing in the preseason-opening Hall of Fame game on Thursday, Aug. 2, the Bears will begin training camp about a week early this year, their 17th straight at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.

And most of the 16 training-camp practices, only 11 of which are open to the public, will begin early in the day - at 8:15 a.m. The Bears report on Thursday, July 19, and the first practice, which is closed to the public, is the following day. Saturday, July 21, is the first of three straight practices open to the public, all at 8:15 a.m.

On days with morning practices, camp will be open from 7:30-11:30 a.m. The final practice open to the public is at 7:10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 11, at Ward Field, the ONU football stadium. It will be followed by a fireworks display.

Bears training camp

Where: Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais

When: July 19-Aug. 12

Tickets: All tickets are free, but fans must get them in advance at chicagobears.com/camp

Check first: All dates and times are tentative and subject to change without notice. See chicagobears.com for updates.

Training camp hours: 7:30-11:30 a.m. during open practices

Training camp scheduleJuly 19: Players report (no practice)

July 20: 3 p.m. practice (closed to public)

July 21: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 22: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 23: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 24: 9:15 a.m. practice (closed to public)

July 26: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 27: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 28: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 30: 8:15 a.m. practice

July 31: 9:15 a.m. practice (closed to public)

Aug. 2: Bears vs. Ravens in preseason Hall of Fame Game

Aug. 4: 8:15 a.m. practice

Aug. 5: 8:15 a.m. practice

Aug. 6: 8:15 a.m. practice

Aug. 7: 9:15 a.m. practice (closed to public)

Aug. 9: Bears at Bengals, preseason game

Aug. 11: 7:10 p.m. practice at Ward Field; gates open from 6:30-10:30 p.m. with Fan Appreciation Night and fireworks

Aug. 12: 12:10 p.m. practice (closed to public)