Sports
Fans Flock to Rams Park For Opening of Training Camp
The NFL is back, and more than 800 fans take in the first St. Louis Rams practice of summer training camp at the Russell Athletic Training Center.
EARTH CITY—The rain last Saturday could not dampen the spirits out at Rams Park.
Football was back and more than 800 fans took in the first practice of training camp at the Russell Athletic Training Center.
Following a four-month lockout that canceled all of the team’s organized activities and minicamps, coach Steve Spagnuolo said he “felt whole again” with players on the field.
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“Finally back out here working with the players, and really in this business there is nothing better than coaches and players being out on the field doing football,” Spagnuolo said, “so we’re excited about that.”
Also eager to see Rams players were Lindbergh High School sophomores Nick Harris and Jamie Barnidge, who both said they had to see the players on the field.
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“I’m really excited,” Barnidge said. “I’ve been waiting to see some football. There aren’t really any other sports I’m interested in.”
The Rams finished 7-9 last season, a six-win improvement from 2009. They missed out on a playoff berth by one game. Having Sam Bradford, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of The Year last season, back at quarterback, and several free agent signings adds to the excitement.
Spagnuolo thanked the fans and media for their patience during the lockout during a press conference last Tuesday. He thanked the fans again last weekend.
“The turnout’s been terrific,” Spagnuolo said. “Even though we might get rain (Saturday), they came out anyway. I think we have some pretty good fans here.”
General manager Billy Devaney also recognized the public’s frustration with the lockout.
“As frustrating as it’s been for us, people want to talk about free agency and fans want to do their fantasy football and all that stuff and that’s available to them,” Devaney said.
“Our fans have been terrific. The responses that we’ve gotten through this process, they’ve been extremely supportive, I can’t say enough about our fans.”
Players like Bradford took notice of the number of fans watching camp open.
“I think our fans are happy to see us out there,” he said, “and hopefully the numbers only continue to get better.”