Cardinals fans of all ages can turn out to watch the team train at NAU.

For best training,
Cardinals fly north

Making their yearly trek to northern Arizona's high altitude, the Cardinals are headed up to Flagstaff this weekend to begin their 2007 training camp.

The football team will arrive in Flagstaff the night of Friday, July 27, and begin practice at NAU's grass fields adjacent to the Walkup Skydome at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 29. There will be 28 practices during their stay.

In the past, the Cardinals' training camp has generated more than $2 million for Flagstaff's economy.

"The training camp is huge for Flagstaff because the economic impact is so significant," Walkup Skydome director Dave Brown said. "With hotels, restaurants and so on, it generates a tremendous amount of interest and revenue for the community."

Additionally, reporters from all over the country cover the training camp, including ESPN and NFL films, generating a huge amount of media coverage.

Because of the benefits of high altitude exercise, its accessibility and pleasant summer temperatures, Sports Illustrated named NAU among the top five preseason training camps in the NFL.

"It absolutely shines the spotlight on NAU, and we're proud to be one of the best training camps in the country," Brown said.

This will be new head coach Ken Whisenhunt's first camp in Flagstaff.

All practices are open to the public and admission and parking are free of charge.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, there will be a "Red & White" practice from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. complete with a pre-practice autograph signing and a goal-line session. The Cardinals will host a pair of Wednesday night practices from 7:05 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1 and Aug. 8 at Lumberjack Stadium.

Following each practice, Cardinals players and coaches will be available to sign autographs as they come off the field.

Practice times are subject to change and fans are encouraged to check the team's official web site www.azcardinals.com for the most up-to-date practice info.