Detroit Lions training camp FAQ: Everything you need to know for 2024
Detroit Lions training camp for the 2024 season is nearly here, and it might be the franchise's most hyped in the Super Bowl era.
The Lions' roster of roughly 90 players is scheduled to report to team headquarters in Allen Park to continue preparations for the fourth season under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
The Lions come off a historic season, one in which they went 12-5 in the regular season, won the NFC North division, hosted two playoff games and won both of them to end the NFL's longest drought without a playoff win at 32 years.
They are one of the NFC's favorites to reach their first-ever Super Bowl, after coming excruciatingly close in January, blowing a 17-point lead in the NFC championship game against San Francisco in Santa Clara, California.
Here is the Detroit Lions training camp information you need to know for 2024.
When does Lions training camp start in 2024?
Rookies report to Allen Park on Saturday, July 20. Veterans report Tuesday, July 23. The first full-roster practice is scheduled for Wednesday, July 24.
We will have full coverage each day at freep.com/sports.
Are Lions training camp practices open to the public?
All general public dates with free tickets have been claimed and are sold out. Here are the practices open to the general public (gates open 60 minutes prior to practice):
July 29: Practice starts at 8:30 a.m.
July 30: Practice starts at 8:30 a.m.
July 31: Practice starts at 8:30 a.m.
Aug. 1: Practice starts at 8:30 a.m..
Aug. 11: Practice starts at 1:15 p.m.
Aug. 14: Practice starts at 8:30 a.m.
THE ROSTER: Dave Birkett's Detroit Lions 53-man roster prediction for 2024
Detroit Lions bag policy for training camp 2024
Personal belongings from guests are subject to inspection upon entry.
The Lions say: "Only bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" will be permitted" with exceptions made for needed medical items after gate inspection.
On the don't bring list: Professional cameras, video cameras, selfie sticks, drones, food, beverage, coolers, lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, purses (larger than a clutch) or backpacks.
Small clutch bags or small camera and binocular cases "not exceeding 4½ by 6½ inches, with or without a handle or strap," may be carried into the facility. Fans can also bring a football, jersey or other items to potentially have autographed.
Read more from the Lions' official website here.
Is parking free for Detroit Lions training camp for 2024?
Parking is free and available in select lots on Republic Drive and Fairlane Circle, with a free shuttle moving fans to and from the Lions headquarters. A limited amount of ADA parking is available as first come, first serve at the Lions' facility.
Do the Lions have any joint practices in training camp for 2024?
Yes, the Lions meet with the Giants for a second consecutive season of joint practices. The Lions will trek to New Jersey in August for two days of practices Aug. 5-6 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Last season, the Lions hosted the Giants in Allen Park ahead of the exhibition opener between the teams.
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Who are the new Detroit Lions players to watch? Who did they lose?
Here are the key players the Lions added in the offseason and those who departed.
Added:
DT D.J. Reader
DE Marcus Davenport
CB Carlton Davis III
CB Amik Robertson
Lost:
G Jonah Jackson (L.A. Rams).
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Philadelphia).
CB Cam Sutton (waived, Pittsburgh).
The Lions also made six draft picks in the 2024 NFL draft to fill out the roster:
CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama (first round).
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri (second round).
OT Giovanni Manu, University of British Columbia (fourth round).
RB Sione Vaki, Utah (fourth round).
DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU (sixth round).
G Christian Mahogany, Boston College (sixth round).
When is the Detroit Lions first preseason game for 2024?
The Lions have three exhibition games in August to prepare for the start of the regular season in September.
Preseason Week 1: Lions at Giants on Thursday, Aug. 8 (7 p.m., TV TBD).
Preseason Week 2: Lions at Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 17 (4 p.m., NFL Network).
Preseason Week 3: Lions vs. Steelers at Ford Field on Saturday, Aug. 24 (1 p.m., NFL Network).
Preseason games are typically televised on Fox 2 and Bally Sports Detroit.
For audio, games will be broadcast on the Lions Radio Network. The Lions' flagship radio station in Detroit is WXYT-FM (97.1).
When does the Detroit Lions regular season start for 2024?
The Lions host the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8 in a rematch of January's thrilling wild-card game, won by the Lions, 24-23. The season opener is set for "Sunday Night Football" at 8:20 p.m. on NBC.
The Lions open with two playoff teams from last season, with Tampa Bay visiting in Week 2 on Sept. 15. They travel to Arizona in Week 3, then host Seattle, for a third straight season, in Week 4 on "Monday Night Football," before a bye week.
The Lions, like all NFC teams, have nine home games and eight road games this season.
Here's the Lions' entire regular season schedule for 2024. If you're into game-by-game predictions, check out the popular exercise with Free Press beat writer Dave Birkett's picks.
How many prime-time games do the Detroit Lions have in 2024?
The Lions have an astounding five prime-time games at night. They have two on "Sunday Night Football," two on "Monday Night Football" and one on "Thursday Night Football." There could be another added late in the season with the NFL's flex scheduling opportunities.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions training camp 2024 FAQ: What you need to know
