ALLEN PARK, MI - MAY 10: First round draft pick Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions joint his teammates in the warmups prior to the start of the afternoon drills during the first day of Rookie Camp on May 10, 2013 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

A guide to Detroit Lions training camp in Allen Park for fans who are interested in going to the practices open to the public.

The Detroit Lions began training camp on Saturday and the team will begin open practices starting today for the public. There have been some changes this year that fans of the team who wish to attend should be aware of.

On June 14, the Lions announced seven open practices starting on July 31st and going until August 7th. These open practices will be Monday thru Wednesday beginning at 3:30 p.m., Friday at 9:00 p.m., Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Also Monday, August 7th at 2:00 p.m. with Saturday, August 5th as a mock game at Ford Field for Family Day starting at 11:00 a.m.

Admission is free for all events. There are now no tickets needed except for Family Day at Ford Field. This means that all open practices will be on a first come first served basis. Doors open for all open practices one hour prior to their scheduled time.

Tickets for Family Day at Ford Field are free, but must be reserved on the Lions website prior to the Saturday mock game. You can reserve your tickets here.

Parking in Allen Park has been changed also, while it is still free fans are to park in the Fairlane Town Center marked “Blue Lot Parking”. There will be a shuttle available for transportation to the entrance of the Lions headquarters beginning two hours before the start of practice. The address to the permitted parking is 410 Town Center Dr. Dearborn, Mi 48126, and a map can be found here.

Be sure to keep tabs on the weather for practice as the Lions will cancel open practice if it rains, and hold a closed practice inside their facility. If the rain is light the practice may take place, but fans can call (313) 262-2882 to check for any updates before heading to Allen Park.

There will be plenty of activities for the kids, as well as this year the Lions are adding tents for shade and food trucks. Plenty of opportunities also for photos with the Lions cheerleaders, Roary the mascot, and former players that will be attending the events. Former all-star running back Barry Sanders should be there, and former wide receiver Calvin Johnson could make an appearance.

For more information on training camp, as well as what can and can’t be brought check out the Detroit Lions website here.