Got any football fans in your life? If so, you should know there’s an easy — and cheap! — way to see America’s Team practice in Southern California ahead of football season.
For 20 years, the Dallas Cowboys have made Oxnard, California their summer training grounds—and admission to watch them practice is completely free (for general admission).
Plus, with Oxnard’s beautiful local beaches, harbor kayaking and great coastal dining nearby, it’s easy to turn your trip into a full family beach getaway.
Editor’s note: the writer was hosted by Visit Oxnard.
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Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: Quick Family Cheatsheet
- Location: River Ridge Playing Fields, Oxnard, CA
- Cost: Practice admission is FREE (First-come, first-served)
- Hours:
- Practices Starting: 11:45 AM: Gates open for the general public at 9:45 AM (9:15 AM for Fan Experience packages)
- Practices Starting 2:00 PM: Gates open for the general public at 12:00 PM (11:30 AM for Fan Experience packages)
- Start/End Dates: July 29th-August 18th (Most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays but check Visit Oxnard to confirm available dates)
- Parking: $20 cash-only for standard vehicles ($40 for oversized)
- Best Theme Days: Fan Night (July 31), Opening Ceremony (Aug 1), Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Dance Clinic (Aug 2), NFL FLAG Training Camp (Aug 5), Heroes Appreciation Day sponsored by USAA (Aug 6), Scrimmage with the New Orleans Saints (Aug 18)
- Top Survival Tip: Arrive at least 2 hours early to snag a good seat, bring umbrellas or sun hats for a long day in the (unshaded bleachers), and bring Sharpies for autographs after practice!
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Set the Alarm: Arrive Earlier Than You Think
While open practices don’t cost a dime, entry is strictly first-come, first-served until the venue hits capacity.
- The Schedule: Most practices kick off around 11:45 a.m., but gates open at 9:45 a.m.
- The Game Plan: Aim to arrive two to three hours early. Beating the coastal traffic, securing a prime spot in line and avoiding full parking lots will give you major peace of mind.
- The Parking Details: Standard vehicle parking is $20 ($40 for oversized vehicles) and is cash-only.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The best splurge of the day? The $23-per-person Sideline Access upgrade (available through SeatGeek). It gets you in 30 minutes before everyone else, so you can claim a spot just feet from the players before the crowds arrive. Bonus: You’ll also beat the rush at the merchandise stands. Keep in mind it’s standing-room only, so if you want a seat, the bleachers are still your best bet.
Dress in Layers & Pack a “Parenting Survival Kit”
Oxnard’s coastal climate is famous for starting the morning under a cool, overcast marine layer before warming up into a bright, sunny afternoon. Shade on-site is very limited, so packing smart is half the battle!
- What to Wear: Think layers! Bring lightweight jackets or cozy hoodies but wear T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts, comfortable walking shoes and broad-brimmed hats. August is the hottest month of the year in Oxnard, but mornings may still be a bit cool when there’s cloud cover.
- Bleacher comfort: If you’re sitting in general admission seats, bleacher pads (like these on Amazon) will make your spectating time more comfortable, but chairs or seat back cushions with metal parts aren’t allowed.
- What to bring: Sun protection (umbrella, hat, sunblock); sharpee and ball for signing; (if traveling with children) something for your child to do when they get antsy; nonmetal water bottles. Note: Outside food is not allowed (though small toddler/kids’ snacks in a diaper bag are fine).
SheBuysTravel Tip: Before heading through the gates, snap a quick photo of your kids on your phone so you have an exact record of what they’re wearing that morning. It’s also smart to slip a small card with your phone number into their pocket or write it on a silicone wristband just in case anyone wanders off in the crowd.
Map Out the Kid Zones & Theme Days
Training camp isn’t just about watching drills from the sidelines, it’s a full-fledged fan experience. When the kids need a break from watching practice, head over to the Cowboys Fan Zone. They’ll love the interactive games, face painting, inflatables and the chance to snap a photo with Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot.
If your travel dates are flexible, try to time your trip around one of the camp’s special theme days:
- Oxnard Fan Night: July 31 (A special event off-site at the Collection mall at RiverPark featuring special guests and a performance by the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.)
- Cowboys Opening Ceremony Saturday: August 1 (Cheerleader performances, National Anthem, and opening commentary by Cowboys owner, president, and manager.)
- Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ Dance Clinic: August 2 (off-site)
- NFL FLAG Training Camp: August 5
- Heroes Appreciation Day: August 6 (Military members and first responders receive complimentary parking and reserved sideline seating with valid ID.)
- Scrimmage against New Orleans Saints: August 18 (See America’s team scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints in person.)
Pay for Convenience Where It Counts
One of my personal travel mantras: sometimes paying a little extra for convenience is the best investment you can make for your vacation peace of mind.
While general admission is free, opting for the Sideline Access pass ($23pp via SeatGeek) is worth it if only to ensure you’ll get up close to the players you came to see.
If you can afford it, scoring seats in the Yaamava’ Hospitality Deck VIP area ($100pp Monday through Thursday; $150pp Friday through Sunday) can be a total game-changer for families. These VIP seats are shaded (huge win!) and include complimentary snacks and drinks. They’re also located right next to where the players enter and exit the field, making this one of the best spots to snag an autograph at the end of practice.
Stick Around After the Final Whistle
Speaking of autographs, when practice wraps up, resist the urge to rush straight to the parking lot to beat traffic!
Once drills conclude, many players walk over to the fence line to greet fans, snap selfies, and sign autographs. Have your kids stand near the front with their Sharpies ready—that 15-minute wait after practice often creates the absolute highlight of the whole trip.
Turn Training Camp into a Full Beach Getaway
Don’t stop the fun when practice ends! Oxnard is a gorgeous coastal destination, so turn your football outing into a full family vacation:
- Oxnard State Beach/Mandalay Beach: Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, and splashing in the Pacific.
- Ololkoy Beach Park: This 62-acre park beside the beach is a great place to let the kids shake off all that sand, with grassy fields, a playground, and several beach volleyball courts.
- Channel Islands Harbor: Rent a family electric boat or kayaks to explore the harbor waters.
- The Collection at RiverPark: Head to this open-air center for great shopping, outdoor plazas, and family-friendly dining like Toppers Pizza, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, or a sweet treat at Afters Ice Cream.
Getting to Oxnard: Flights, Drives & Public Transit
Oxnard sits right along Southern California’s beautiful Central Coast in Ventura County—about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles—making it an easy road trip or quick flight for traveling families.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t assume you can stay at the hotel right next to the practice fields. Staybridge Suites Oxnard–River Ridge serves as the Cowboys’ host hotel during training camp, so look to one of the nearby Oxnard or Ventura hotels instead. SpringHill Suites Ventura Oxnard and TownePlace Suites Ventura Oxnard are both less than a mile away, with spacious, modern rooms and breakfast included.
Driving to Oxnard (Distance & Drive Times)
If you’re road-tripping or renting a car, Oxnard is easily accessible via U.S. 101 North or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/CA-1).
- From Los Angeles / Hollywood: ~60 miles (1 to 1.5 hours, depending on LA traffic)
- From Anaheim / Disneyland: ~90 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)
- From Santa Barbara: ~38 miles (40 to 45 minutes)
- From San Diego: ~180 miles (3 to 3.5 hours)
- From Bakersfield: ~125 miles (2 to 2.5 hours)
SheBuysTravel Tip: Traffic along the I-5 and U.S. 101 corridors can build quickly on weekday mornings. Give yourself an extra 30–45 minutes of buffer time so you still arrive at the fields by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.!
Nearest Airports
If you are flying in to catch camp, you have a few great airport options:
- Santa Barbara Airport (SBA): ~45 miles away. A smaller, stress-free airport with quick security and easy rental car access.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): ~55 miles away. Much easier to navigate with kids than LAX, featuring convenient rental car facilities right across from the terminal.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): ~65 miles away. Offers the most direct flight options and lowest fares, but requires navigating LA traffic and a larger, busier airport.
Public Transit Options
Don’t want to drive or deal with event parking? You can actually take the train straight into town!
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Drops you off directly at the Oxnard Transportation Center (OTC) in downtown Oxnard. It’s a gorgeous, scenic coastal ride if you’re coming from San Diego, Anaheim, or Los Angeles.
- Metrolink (Ventura County Line): Southern California’s commuter rail service connects downtown LA (Union Station) directly to Oxnard on weekdays.
- Rideshares & Local Transit: From the Oxnard train station, River Ridge Playing Fields is just a quick 10-minute ride via rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or local Gold Coast Transit buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
General admission to open practices is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard vehicle parking is $20 ($40 for oversized vehicles) and is cash-only. Paid upgrades, like the Sideline Access pass, are available on SeatGeek if you prefer early entry and closer views.
Practices typically start at 11:45 a.m., with gates opening at 9:45 a.m. Aim to arrive 2 to 3 hours early to navigate traffic, park, and claim a good viewing spot before the venue hits capacity.
Absolutely! The venue is very kid-friendly, complete with a Fan Zone full of games and photo ops. Because viewing areas are on grass and uneven ground, an all-terrain stroller or baby carrier is your best bet.
Pack light layers (mornings start cool before warming up), hats, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and sealed kid-friendly snacks. Don’t forget Sharpies and items like mini footballs or hats for autographs!
Stay near the fence line after practice finishes! Players routinely walk over to greet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos once their drills wrap up.
Head to Mandalay Beach, rent an electric boat at Channel Islands Harbor, or grab dinner and ice cream at The Collection at RiverPark!
Absolutely! The venue is very kid-friendly, complete with a diaper-changing tent and a shaded picnic area. There is a paved path leading to the bleachers and around the food tents, so strollers are easy to steer through the crowds. Note: There isn’t a dedicated kid-space or play area, and parents should keep their eyes on their children at all times.
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