Houston Texans Training Camp gives fans something regular-season games cannot: an up-close look at players competing for roster spots, working through position drills and preparing for the season before the stadium lights come on.
For the Texans’ milestone 25th season, the team will hold eight practices that are free and open to fans at the Houston Methodist Training Center. The schedule includes seven standard open practices and one joint session with the Las Vegas Raiders. (Houston Texans)
Admission is free, but fans still need mobile tickets, and capacity is limited. Here is everything you need to know about choosing a practice, claiming tickets, parking, entering the facility and making the most of the experience.
2026 Houston Texans Training Camp Schedule
The Texans officially begin training camp on Wednesday, July 29, but the first practice open to fans will be Saturday, August 1. Most public sessions begin at 9 a.m., while the August 8 practice will be held in the evening. (Houston Texans)
| Date | Practice time | Special notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, August 1 | 9 a.m. | First open practice |
| Monday, August 3 | 9 a.m. | Open practice |
| Tuesday, August 4 | 9 a.m. | Open practice |
| Wednesday, August 5 | 9 a.m. | Open practice |
| Friday, August 7 | 9 a.m. | Open practice |
| Saturday, August 8 | 6 p.m. | Evening practice |
| Monday, August 10 | 9 a.m. | Open practice |
| Tuesday, August 18 | 9 a.m. | Joint practice with Las Vegas Raiders |
The August 18 joint practice should provide one of the most competitive environments available to fans. Instead of Texans players working only against teammates, they will line up against Raiders players during drills and team periods ahead of the teams’ preseason meeting.
Practices are subject to change because of weather or football-operations decisions. Fans should check the Texans app and the team’s official social channels before leaving home, especially when storms are possible. (Houston Texans)
How to Get Texans Training Camp Tickets
Tickets are distributed free through Ticketmaster from the Texans’ official training-camp ticket page.
Each account may claim:
- Up to four tickets
- Tickets for no more than two open practices
- A ticket for every attendee, including children of all ages
Once claimed, tickets are stored in the Houston Texans mobile app. Fans can find them by selecting More, opening Account Manager and signing into the Ticketmaster account used to claim the tickets. (Houston Texans)
Tickets are limited for each date and can disappear quickly. Do not assume that “free” means fans can simply arrive at the gate without one. Everyone in the group needs to be included in the ticket count.
Season Ticket Members receive early access before public ticket distribution, but the open practices are intended for all Texans fans. (Houston Texans)
Where Is Texans Training Camp?
All eight public practices will be held at the Houston Methodist Training Center, located across from the NRG Park complex at:
8799 Kirby Drive
Houston, Texas 77054
Fans should not enter through NRG Stadium expecting a normal game-day entrance. Training-camp access is organized through the Green Lot and the Murworth Drive side of the complex. (Houston Texans)
The outdoor practice setting is much smaller and more intimate than NRG Stadium. That gives fans better opportunities to see individual drills, hear coaches directing players and watch position groups work from relatively close range.
Where to Park
Free parking is provided in the Green Lot, but it is available only to ticketed fans with a valid parking pass.
The parking pass should be accessed through the Texans mobile app along with the practice tickets. Having a practice ticket alone does not automatically replace the parking credential, so open the app before leaving home and confirm that both are available. (Houston Texans)
For most practices:
- Green Lot opens two hours before practice.
- Fan gates open one hour before practice.
- Fans enter through Green Lot and Murworth.
- Tailgate Ambassadors are stationed near parking entrances to provide assistance.
- Practice generally lasts approximately 90 minutes to two hours. (Houston Texans)
For a 9 a.m. practice, the parking lot should open around 7 a.m., with gates opening around 8 a.m. For the 6 p.m. practice on August 8, the corresponding windows should be approximately 4 p.m. for parking and 5 p.m. for entry, although fans should verify the event details in the app before departing.
Arriving when gates open gives your group a better chance of securing bleacher seating and time to visit the food trucks, merchandise area and fan activities before practice begins.
What Fans Can Do at Training Camp
Training camp is more than sitting quietly through a football practice.
The Texans plan to offer appearances and activities involving TORO, Texans Cheerleaders, team Legends, autograph opportunities, special merchandise and Xfinity giveaways. Local food trucks will sell food and drinks during the event. (Houston Texans)
A Texans Team Shop tent will sell training-camp merchandise and other team gear. Merchandise purchases are cashless, so bring a credit card, debit card or supported mobile-payment option rather than relying on cash. (Houston Texans)
Training camp is also one of the better Texans events for younger fans. The smaller environment provides a clearer view of players than many stadium seats, while TORO, cheerleader appearances and fan activities help fill the time before and after practice.
Can Fans Get Autographs?
Texans players and coaches may stop to sign autographs after each practice. Texans Cheerleaders and team Legends will also participate in scheduled signings at Ambassador tents.
Player and coach autographs are not guaranteed. Participation is voluntary and can depend on the day’s schedule, weather and the player’s responsibilities after practice. (Houston Texans)
Fans hoping for an autograph should bring:
- One or two reasonably sized items
- A permanent marker
- Patience
- A plan for protecting signed items from heat, sweat or rain
Avoid bringing oversized memorabilia or anything prohibited by the bag policy. A football, cap, trading card or small team item is easier to manage than a large framed piece.
Seating, Restrooms and Accessibility
The facility includes a 1,000-seat bleacher area along the sideline. Seating is first-come, first-served, so holding a ticket does not reserve a specific place in the bleachers. (Houston Texans)
Fans who want the best chance at a seat should arrive near the time gates open. Standing-room viewing may also be part of the experience once the bleachers fill.
ADA access is available. Guests needing assistance should notify event staff upon arrival so they can be directed to the appropriate accessible area.
Two restroom locations are available:
- One near the food trucks on the south side
- One on the north side near the bleacher seating (Houston Texans)
What Can You Bring?
The NFL clear-bag policy is enforced at training camp.
Permitted bags include:
- Clear bags no larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches
Backpacks, coolers, diaper bags and other larger bags are prohibited. (Houston Texans)
Each fan may bring one unopened bottle of water. Outside food and other beverages are not permitted, although food and drinks can be purchased from the on-site food trucks. (Houston Texans)
Other prohibited items include selfie sticks, seat cushions, noisemakers, drones, video cameras and cameras with lenses longer than three inches. Animals are not permitted except certified service animals. (Houston Texans)
What Should You Wear?
Texans training camp is an outdoor Houston event in August. Dress for heat, humidity and direct sunlight rather than dressing as though you are attending an air-conditioned stadium game.
A practical setup includes:
- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A portable handheld fan
- One unopened water bottle
- A clear bag
- A fully charged phone
The Texans specifically recommend bringing sunscreen, water and a portable fan. Your phone is especially important because it holds both your admission ticket and parking pass. (Houston Texans)
Which Practice Should You Attend?
The right date depends on the experience your family wants.
August 1 provides the excitement of the first public practice.
August 8 at 6 p.m. is the only evening session and may be easier for fans who cannot attend weekday mornings.
August 18 against the Raiders should offer the most game-like competition, with players testing themselves against an opposing roster.
Weekday practices may be easier for families seeking lighter crowds, although ticket demand and actual attendance can vary.
A Simple Training-Camp Game Plan
For a 9 a.m. practice, a smooth plan would look like this:
Arrive at the Green Lot between 7 and 7:30 a.m. Have your parking pass and practice tickets already loaded in the Texans app. Enter when gates open around 8 a.m., choose your bleacher location and then explore the fan areas before the team takes the field.
After practice, remain in the designated fan area for possible autographs, but follow staff directions and do not block walkways or restricted exits.
The entire outing will likely take three to four hours once parking, entry, practice and post-practice activities are included.
The Bottom Line
Houston Texans Training Camp is one of the best free professional-sports experiences available in the Houston area. Fans can watch NFL players from close range, see position battles develop and enjoy an atmosphere that feels more personal than a regular-season game.
The essentials are simple: claim tickets early, download the Texans app, secure the Green Lot parking pass, arrive when gates open and prepare for the Houston heat.
Do that, and training camp becomes more than watching practice. It becomes the unofficial beginning of football season.
