NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are hitting the road for training camp practice tonight – "Friday Night Lights" is headed to Centennial High.
"I live probably two miles away from there," Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "I hear those guys playing every Friday. I can hear the crowd noise and everything. So it is going to be cool to go over there and show them some Titan football."
The Titans practice from 7:15-9 p.m. at Centennial, in Franklin. Gates open at 5 p.m.
Here's what fans need to know:
• Admission is free.
• Entry rules will be the same as coming to practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park, so fans will be allowed to bring purses, diaper bags, and small fanny packs or similar items, but they will be subject to thorough inspection. Signs will be located in the parking areas to remind fans of this policy. In the interest of public safety, the team is instituting enhanced security measures, which include:
• Fans will go through a metal detector
• Items not allowed on the grounds include backpacks, large duffle bags, food and beverage, coolers, liquids, umbrellas, chairs and strollers. Concessions will be available for purchase but no outside food and drink is permitted.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey said the team arranged its schedule on Friday to make the practice at Centennial fit the team's training camp routine.
The team plans to conduct a walk-through Friday morning, before meetings in the afternoon. Then they'll meet at Saint Thomas Sports Park, where they're scheduled to board buses at six o'clock and head to the school.
"I think it's a great opportunity to go out there and reach some of the fans and to get that atmosphere," Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota said. "It'll be fun to kind of be under the lights again and go out there and practice in front of those guys."
The Titans will practice from 6-8 p.m. at Nissan Stadium on Saturday night. For fans, the entry rules will be the same as a normal game day, with the clear bag policy in effect. Concession stands will be open at the stadium.
"It's a little change of pace," Orakpo said. "Training camp can get a little stale at times, so it is definitely nice to change it up. We're going to the high school stadium, Nissan Stadium, and fans who are not able to come out here, it gives them a chance to go to a different location. I think it is great for our team, for our city to give every a chance to see us practice."
Titans players take the field for Day 6 of the team's 2017 training camp at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Donn Jones Photography, Gary Glenn)
