You’d think after back-to-back-to-back Super Bowl runs, the Kansas City Chiefs would want to spend their July on a beach somewhere. Honestly, most teams would. But if you’ve ever seen Andy Reid in a Hawaiian shirt during the offseason, you know he’s already thinking about the "St. Joe heat."
Every year, thousands of fans descend on Missouri Western State University (MWSU) in St. Joseph, hoping for a glimpse of Patrick Mahomes or a signature from Travis Kelce. But if you just show up on a random Tuesday, you're probably going to be disappointed. The Chiefs training camp schedule isn't just a list of dates; it's a carefully orchestrated gauntlet of practices, closed sessions, and specific autograph rotations that can make or break your trip.
The Reality of the Chiefs Training Camp Schedule
Most fans assume that once camp starts, it’s a free-for-all. It isn’t. In fact, if you don't have a ticket, you aren't even getting past the parking lot. For the 2025 season—and looking toward 2026—the team has maintained a rigid structure at the Mosaic Training Fields.
Usually, the players report in late July. In 2025, for example, everyone from the rookies to the seasoned vets arrived on July 21st. The actual "open" practices—the ones you can actually go see—kicked off on July 22nd. But here’s the kicker: that first day is almost always an exclusive "Season Ticket Member" (STM) day. If you aren't an STM, you're basically stuck watching the highlights on social media until the general public gates open a day or two later.
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Practices usually start early. Like, 9:15 a.m. early. If you aren't in your seat or on the hill by 8:45 a.m., you’re looking at the back of someone’s head. The sessions generally wrap up by mid-morning, around 11:30 a.m., before the Missouri humidity becomes genuinely dangerous.
Why St. Joseph Matters (For Now)
There was a bit of a scare recently. People were talking about the team moving camp to Olathe or even Kansas. But in June 2025, the Chiefs and MWSU inked a multi-year extension. St. Joe is staying the home of camp for the foreseeable future. This is the 15th year they've been up there, and the routine is basically part of the city's DNA at this point.
The university grounds are great, but they aren't infinite. This is why the team implemented the "six tickets per practice" rule. You can't just hoard tickets for every single day. You're limited to three separate practices per person.
When to Go (And When to Stay Home)
If you're looking for the full experience, you have to time it right. Not every day is created equal.
- Family Fun Day: This is usually the first or second Saturday of camp. In 2025, it fell on August 2nd. There’s a $6 admission fee (most days are free), but the entire team signs autographs. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s the best chance for kids to see KC Wolf.
- Military Appreciation Day: This usually marks the final day of camp. It’s a bit more somber but incredibly respectful. Practice times often shift here; sometimes it starts as early as 8:15 a.m.
- The "No Practice" Trap: Always, always check the schedule for "No Practice" or "Travel" days. Usually, Mondays or Fridays in the middle of camp are rest days. If you drive two hours to St. Joe on a "No Practice" day, the only thing you'll see is an empty field and a very quiet campus.
Navigating the Autograph Maze
This is where most people get it wrong. You don’t just walk up to Patrick Mahomes and ask for a signature. Well, you can try, but the team has a rotation.
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One day it’s linebackers. The next, it’s wide receivers and tight ends. If you’re dying to get a ball signed by the secondary, you need to make sure you’re there on "Defensive Backs" day. The team typically posts this specific rotation on their official site a few weeks before camp begins. On the "Full Team" days (like Family Fun Day or the STM days), the odds are better, but the lines are ten times longer.
Survival Tips from the Hill
St. Joseph in late July is basically the surface of the sun. There is almost zero shade on the practice fields. If you’re sitting on the grassy hill—which is honestly the best view—bring a cooling towel.
The "clear bag policy" is in full effect, just like at GEHA Field at Arrowhead. Don't bring your favorite backpack; security will make you take it back to the car. And speaking of cars, parking is $7 (unless you're an STM on their specific days). You have to prepay for this online. They don't really do "cash at the gate" anymore.
Breaking Down the 2025-2026 Timeline
While the 2026 dates won't be "official" until June, the NFL's calendar is a creature of habit. You can almost set your watch by it.
- Late June: Training camp tickets go on sale (First to STMs, then the public).
- Mid-July: Rookies report to St. Joseph.
- July 20-22: The full squad arrives and the first "closed" sessions begin.
- Early August: The first preseason game (usually away) creates a break in the camp schedule.
- Mid-August: Camp breaks, and the team heads back to the practice facility in Kansas City.
It's a grind. Andy Reid’s practices are notoriously long and physical. Unlike some coaches who run "light" camps, the Chiefs are known for hitting. That’s why you see so many injuries—or "tweak" scares—during this window. It’s also why they’re usually the best-conditioned team in the fourth quarter come January.
What Happens if it Rains?
Missouri weather is predictably unpredictable. If there’s lightning or a torrential downpour, practice moves indoors to the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex.
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Here’s the bad news: Indoor practices are closed to the public. The university just doesn't have the space to hold 5,000 fans inside. If the team moves inside, they usually announce it on X (formerly Twitter) about 60 to 90 minutes before practice starts. If you’re driving from out of town, keep your notifications on. There are no refunds for parking if the weather ruins the day.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're planning to catch the Chiefs training camp schedule in person, don't wing it.
- Download the Chiefs Mobile App: This is the only way to access your tickets. Screenshots won't work at the gate.
- Pre-purchase Parking: Use the link provided in your ticket confirmation. Trying to find "street parking" in St. Joe near the campus is a nightmare you don't want.
- Bring a Small Umbrella: Not for the rain, but for the sun. Just be mindful of the people behind you on the hill.
- Check the Autograph Rotation: If you have a specific jersey you want signed, match your date to that position group.
- Arrive 45 Minutes Early: The line to get through security can get backed up, and the best spots on the hill go fast.
The window to see the team in this environment is small—usually only about three weeks total. Once they break camp in mid-August, the "access" disappears, and the focus shifts entirely to the regular season. Plan early, hydrate often, and keep an eye on those official schedule updates in June.