With training camp coming to an end, the Arizona Cardinals are preparing for a successful 2023 season.
Fans hoping to catch their favorite players before the crowds of the season come in, always get that opportunity at Cardinals training camp.
“Fans can come to watch and sit in the bleachers as if it’s a game,” said Lecitus Smith, an Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman. “It’s really convenient for our fans because you get to come, have a seat, watch the guys, and we even sign autographs afterwards.”
From free admission and parking to a kids interactive zone, Big Red and cheerleader appearances, concessions and a team shop, Cardinals training camp has it all.
This year, the first two of three preseason games will be taking place at the Cardinals home field, State Farm Stadium. Kicking off week one, the Cardinals will take on the Denver Broncos today, Aug. 11. On Aug. 19 they’ll be going head to head against the Kansas City Chiefs and on Aug. 26 they’ll head out to U.S. Bank Stadium to play the Minnesota Vikings.
Originally from south Georgia, Smith went to college at Virginia Tech and was drafted in April 2022 during the Cardinals second pick in the sixth round. Last season he appeared in 10 games, starting two as a rookie.
For the players, there’s a lot of work being done behind the scenes as they prepare for the season.
“It’s so much on your body in the physical aspect. You have meetings all day and when you have time you have to get recovery,” Smith said. “You have practice, film study, etc. For camp you have to make the ultimate sacrifice. You’re pretty much locked in seven days out of the week from sunup to sundown.”
Sept. 10 marks the first game of the 2023 season for the Cardinals. On the road, the Cardinals will be going up against the Washington Commanders.
Their first home game, Sept. 17, is against the New York Giants. Tickets can be purchased at azcardinals.com.
“I look forward to playing a lot of really good football and winning a lot of games as a team,” Smith said. “My personal goal is to play the best football I’ve played in my life. I’m trying to take my game to a whole new level, be my best self and just raise myself as a player.”
He said there’s nothing like the adrenaline that comes from running out of the tunnel for a game.
“It’s crazy and unlike any other feeling. You run out and it’s electric. They have the smoke going, all these fans cheering, and the jumbo screen is all lit up,” Smith said. “In my opinion, we have the best fans in the whole league.”
Guests can buy single game tickets now for the upcoming season at azcardinals.com. Fans also can use the website to stay up to date with all the news on their favorite players.
“I love it out here in Arizona, I love the team and everything that comes with it from our GM to our head coach,” Smith said. “I have loved this organization since the day I got here. I would love nothing more than to stay with this organization and this team as long as humanly possible.”
