One of Ventura County’s most enduring sporting traditions returns this week.
The Dallas Cowboys kick off their 45th NFL training camp in Ventura County at River Ridge Fields in Oxnard.
This will be their 18th camp in Oxnard since 2001 for the five-time Super Bowl winners. They spent 27 years at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks from 1963 to 1989.
When the team arrives Tuesday, it will carry with it the burden associated with a potential make-or-break season.
The Cowboys have earned three straight 12-5 seasons under head coach Mike McCarthy, but have only mustered a single playoff win over that span.
Quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb are both looking for new contracts. Former star running back Ezekiel Elliot returns after a year in New England.
Dallas spent two of its top three draft picks on offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe to replace former Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, who were lost in free agency.
The Cowboys will prepare for all three preseason games in Oxnard. The team will complete training camp in Frisco, Texas, following the final practice in Oxnard on Aug. 21.
The team’s first preseason game will be a short drive to play the Rams in Los Angeles Aug. 11 and its second means a an hour flight to play the Las Vegas Raiders Aug. 17. The team will be in Arlington, Texas to play the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium Aug. 24 for its third and final preseason game.
What is the Cowboys training camp schedule?
The team is scheduled to arrive Tuesday, one day ahead of the reporting date for both rookies and veterans. The first of 16 scheduled open practices is Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Camp ends Aug. 21.
Cowboys’ open practices at River Ridge in Oxnard are set for 11:30 a.m. July 25-26, 28 and 30; 11 a.m. July 31, Aug. 2-3, 5-6, 9, 13, 15, 19-21 and 2 p.m. Aug. 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.
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How much are tickets?
Entry is free for the public, as space allows. VIP Fan Experiences can be purchased on Seatgeek.
How can I park at Cowboys’ camp?
Parking at the venue’s lot at 2501 Ventura Road in Oxnard is $10 per day for small vehicles and $20 for large vehicles on weekdays. That rate doubles during the weekend.
Camp will be next door at the Residence Inn at River Ridge, 2101 W. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard.
The Oxnard Police Department reminds local motorists of potential traffic in the area during the camp. Ventura Road is used for overflow parking, so police expected it to be closed between Vineyard Avenue and Wagon Wheel Road on July 27, July 28, Aug. 3 and Aug. 8.
Other motorists are advised to stay away from the area and use alternate routes.
When are the special Cowboys events?
“Cowboys Back Together Weekend” kicks off training camp this weekend.
The third annual Oxnard Fan Night, featuring Cowboys legend Drew Pearson, is Friday night at The Collection at RiverPark. The free event will also include the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, team mascot Rowdy and host Zeale of the rap duo Blackillac.
Owner Jerry Jones will give his annual address at opening ceremonies Saturday morning, prior to the 10:30 a.m. practice.
The annual Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders dance clinic is Sunday afternoon at Rio Mesa High. Registration is full.
The annual Heroes Appreciation Day, which celebrates military personnel and first responders, is July 31. The team plans to host 200 active military members as part of the event.
The Cowboys will host the Los Angeles Rams in a joint practice Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. Two days later, the teams will open preseason against each other at SoFi Stadium.
Details:
Details:
- Friday, July 26: 11:30 a.m., open practice; 4-6 p.m., Oxnard Fan Night hosted by Visit Oxnard at The Collection at RiverPark
- Saturday, July 27 – Cowboys Back Together Weekend & Opening Ceremony: 9 a.m., doors open; 10 a.m., opening ceremony; 10:30 a.m., open practice
- Sunday, July 28 – Cowboys Back Together Weekend: 11:30 a.m., open practice; 4-6 p.m., Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Dance Clinic at Rio Mesa High School
- Wednesday, July 31 – Heroes Appreciation Day presented by USAA: 11 a.m., open practice
- Thursday, Aug. 8 – Open practice vs. Los Angeles Rams: 2 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 11 – Preseason game at Los Angeles Rams: 1:25 p.m., SoFi Stadium
- Saturday, Aug. 17 – Preseason game at Las Vegas Raiders: 7 p.m., Allegiant Stadium
- Saturday, Aug. 24 – Preseason game vs. Los Angeles Chargers: 3 p.m., AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas