Busy practice schedule awaits Cardinals and fans

Arizona Cardinals fans will be treated to eight straight days of training camp practice beginning Saturday, July 30, on the Northern Arizona University campus.

The full 2011 camp schedule, available online, includes a Red and White practice and autograph session on Saturday, Aug. 6, and the popular night practice at Coconino High School on Tuesday, Aug. 16. In all, 17 practices are scheduled at NAU.

The return of the Cardinals is good news for sports fans and the local economy. An economic impact report prepared last year by NAU said that more than 38,000 people attended training camp sessions or the Red and White Scrimmage, 81 percent of them being out-of-town visitors. As a result, the camp contributed nearly $7 million to the local economy, with a total impact of nearly $10 million.

Less easy to calculate, but no less important for NAU, are the intangible benefits of an NFL team spending a few weeks on campus. Not only does the event draw national media coverage (for example, NAU recently being named “Best training camp venue”), but the daily visits to campus by Cardinals fans from around the state and region may also contribute to future enrollment at the university.

"We look forward to welcoming the Arizona Cardinals players and their fans to campus,” said NAU President John Haeger. “The team's annual visit to Northern Arizona University plays a key part in energizing the local economy. As a longstanding partner, we wish them a successful season."

The Cardinals have trained at NAU since the team moved to Arizona in 1988. Last year, the university and the team renewed their partnership with a three-year agreement that runs through the 2012 season. This year, the team will use the upgraded locker rooms that are part of the refurbishment of the Walkup Skydome.