On April 20, 2009, the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL) signed an agreement with SUNY Cortland that brought the team’s summer training camp to the SUNY campus. In the first three weeks of August 2010, more than 41,000 spectators came to the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex. Each year, the camp draws devoted fans from New York state as well as the rest of the country to see their favorite players and coaches up close. Although tickets are free, you must have them printed from the New York Jets camp website for admission into the public practices. The 2013 training camp schedule begins Friday, July 26 and concludes Wednesday, August 14.
Students of SUNY Cortland are encouraged to be involved in this renowned annual event. Various internship positions are available to students of the university. (Fill out the online application and contact Career Services at 607-753-4715 with any questions.) Community involvement is also expected annually; an estimated $5.5 million dollars was spent in the local Cortland community from the 2012 training camp.
In addition to watching the team from the sideline, various activities and events are established to further the involvement of fans. The “Jets Shop” tent has the latest team gear and merchandise available for purchase. “Jets Fest” has an interactive football theme park for kids with skill challenges and inflatable rides. Members of Gen Jets Kids Club will have access to the kids-only player autograph area at practices–limited to the first 100 kids each day.
In the spirit of the game, two tickets will be raffled off for Super Bowl XLVIII; the massive game will this year be played at the home of the New York Jets: MetLife Stadium. The winner of the raffle will win two tickets (a $2,000 approximate value) and a three-night stay (Friday, January 31, to Monday, February 3rd) at the Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands (a $1,375 value). Raffle participants will be entered into a second drawing to attend the 2014 Cortaca Jug VIP brunch hosted by President Erik J. Bitterbaum. The winner will watch the game from the Stephen J. Hunt ’72 VIP Lounge at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex. To learn more, visit Cortland’s Super Bowl Ticket Raffle information page.
Update: Photos from the camp!
To follow all updates on the New York Jets and training camp, check out their website, follow them on Twitter, and like them on Facebook! Also check out SUNY Cortland’s Facebook for additional updates and pictures.
Good luck for next match!