The Dallas Cowboys are once again proving why they remain one of the NFL’s biggest attractions.
Hours before Saturday’s highly anticipated Cowboys Back Together Saturday event officially began, hundreds of vehicles already backed up for miles outside River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard, California.
On August 1. 2026, videos circulating on social media showed long lines of traffic stretching toward the 2026 training camp entrance as thousands of fans arrived early for one of the biggest days of the team’s preseason schedule.
The massive turnout comes as the Cowboys celebrate 20 years of training camp in Oxnard, with fans eager to attend the annual opening ceremony before watching the team’s latest open practice. Cowboys fans pack Oxnard for biggest training camp event.
Saturday marks the centerpiece of the 2026 Dallas Cowboys training camp schedule
The event begins with gates opening at 9:15 a.m. PDT, giving fans time to explore the venue, shop for exclusive merchandise, enjoy live entertainment and participate in giveaways before the main festivities.
The official website of the Cowboys says the Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. PDT. Fans will see a performance by the Cowboys Cheerleaders, appearances by mascot Rowdy, participation from 90 boys and girls representing NFL Flag Ventura County, and remarks from members of the Jones family along with the Mayor of Oxnard.
Following the ceremony, the Cowboys will hold an open practice at 11:45 a.m. PDT, allowing fans to get their closest look yet at Brian Schottenheimer’s team as preparations for the 2026 season continue.
Free entries continue to draw huge crowds
One of the biggest reasons for the overwhelming attendance is that general admission remains free throughout training camp.
Fans can enter on a first-come, first-served basis and watch practice from the sideline bleachers. Those looking for a premium experience also have the option to purchase Sideline Access or Hospitality Deck tickets, but they are not required to attend.
Parking is available through the City of Oxnard for $20 per vehicle, though the early morning traffic suggested many fans arrived well ahead of schedule to secure a spot.
Excitement continues to build around the Dallas Cowboys training camp
The huge turnout reflects the excitement surrounding a Cowboys team entering its second season under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Training camp has already drawn strong crowds since practices opened on July 29, but Saturday’s opening ceremony traditionally attracts the largest audience of the summer.
With thousands of fans filling River Ridge Playing Fields and traffic stretching for miles before the gates even opened, the atmosphere resembled a game day more than a preseason practice.
After Saturday’s event, the Cowboys will continue holding open practices in Oxnard through August 18 before returning to The Star in Frisco for the final phase of training camp. Their preseason schedule begins on August 15 with a road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.