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• Photo gallery: NFL Training Camp

The date most NFL fans will circle on their calendars is Sept. 6 – the kickoff of the regular season, when the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts begin the defense of their title against the New Orleans Saints.

But those who go a step further know pro football begins well before September. It starts this month, when training camp opens around the league, in places like Bourbonnais, Ill., and Santa Clara, Calif., and Flowery Branch, Ga.

Indeed, the fan inspired to road-trip to these often out-of-the-way locations to witness the spectacle that is summer practice will be ahead of the game.

And we'll get you there, with the NFL Training Camp Travel Guide. Here to help us with expert insight are ESPN.com's NFL writers Len Pasquarelli, John Clayton, Jeffri Chadiha and Matt Mosley, who offer insider views on the experience in each host city. David Mosse and William Bendetson contributed options for what fans can consider doing when not attending camp.

Now, go forth and train – shape up your football knowledge for the regular season:

• AFC Team-by-Team Training Camp Travel Guide
• NFC Team-by-Team Training Camp Travel Guide