Mike Vrabel to speak today ahead of Pats training camp

After weeks of FIFA fever at “Boston Stadium,” Gillette Stadium is back, and so, too, is Patriots football. The road back to the Super Bowl begins now, and the reigning AFC champs are ready to go.

Patriots training camp

There are so many story lines heading into this new season for the New England Patriots. There was a little offseason drama but Head Coach Mike Vrabel seems poised and ready to lead this team for a second year. He’s scheduled to speak to the media at 11:30 a.m. today.

Other story lines to watch include Cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who wants a new contract. It’s unclear how long that will linger into camp. We’ll be keeping an eye on that dispute.

New draft pick left tackle Caleb Lomu will be here to help with what was one of the biggest areas of concern for the team. And then there’s the combo we’ve been waiting for — Drake Maye to A.J. Brown.

Patriots rookies reported to camp on Wednesday, along with a few veterans. The remaining veterans report to the facility today.

The first public training camp practice will be on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Gates open at 9:15 a.m. Practice will last about two hours and is free to the public.

Patriots practices open to the public on these days

The Patriots will host a total of 13 days of public access at training camp practices this year, including three days of joint practices. These take place on the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium.

Saturday, July 25 10:30-12:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 26 10:15-12:00 p.m.
Monday, July 27 10:00-11:30 a.m. (walkthrough)
Tuesday, July 28 10:15-12:15 p.m.
Thursday, July 30 10:15-12:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31 10:15-12:15 p.m.
Saturday, August 1 10:15-12:15 p.m.
Monday, August 3 10:15-12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, August 4 10:15-12:15 p.m.
Friday, August 7 10:15-12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11 10:15-12:15 p.m. (Joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts)
Wednesday, August 19 10:15-12:15 p.m. (Joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles)
Thursday, August 20 10:15-12:15 p.m. (Joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles)

Admission to all public practices is free, as are parking at Gillette Stadium and access to the many fan activities surrounding the practice fields.

Fans planning to attend are encouraged to visit the Patriots website, or call the training camp hotline at 508-549-0001 before traveling for the latest schedule updates, weather-related changes, or other important announcements.