Big Blue View heads to training camp

Since I started Big Blue View back in February of 2007 I have been able to do some things I could only dream about when I began blogging a few years ago.

I have done player interviews. I now receive press releases directly from the Giants, so I can bring you news without needing to wait for someone else to report it. I occasionally receive books to review, which is a very cool perk.

Well, when training camp opens Monday maybe the coolest happening of all will begin for me.

Big Blue View is heading to training camp, and the Giants have been kind enough to grant me full press credentials for the entire month the Giants are at UAlbany!

That means I will have on-field access during practices, along with the mainstream media members who cover the Giants year-round. I will also have the same access to players, coaches and team officials that the rest of the media covering camp will have.

That's exciting for me, and great news for Big Blue View. It means we have come a looooong way in 21/2 years, and we are now recognized as playing in the big leagues.

As for what type of coverage you will see, I'll just play that by ear. I can't promise you I will be at every practice (I live near UAlbany and life can get in the way). I will be there as often as possible, however, and will bring you as much original material as I can.

The first practice is Monday. If you are planning to head in to Albany to watch a practice or two, here are directions to the campus.

From the North:  Take Interstate 87 (Northway) south to Exit 1E.  Off the exit, proceed to Interstate 90 east (Albany/Boston).  Take Exit 2 (Washington Avenue) which leads right into the University at Albany campus.  Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the South:  Take Interstate 87 (Thruway) north to Exit 24.  After the tollbooths, proceed onto Interstate 90 east towards Boston.  Take Exit 2 (Washington Avenue) which leads right into the University at Albany campus.  Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of  mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the East:  Take Interstate 90 west towards Buffalo.  Leave interstate at Exit 2 (Fuller Road).  Turn left at Fuller Road, and then take next left at Washington Avenue.  The University at Albany campus is on your right.  Upon entering campus, follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of  mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the West:  Take Interstate 90 (Thruway) east to Exit 24.  After the tollbooths, proceed onto Interstate 90 east towards Boston.  Leave interstate at Exit 2 (Washington Avenue) which leads right into the University at Albany campus.  Follow University Drive (heading south) 3/4 of  mile to Dutch Quad parking lot (public) and one mile to Recreation & Convocation parking lot (Giants/VIP).

From the UAlbany Web site, here is some information on parking.

Giants training camp all-session parking passes are available at UAlbany's Athletic Merchandise Store, located in the SEFCU Arena Lobby. An all-session parking pass is $15. The daily parking fee is $5.