State
Grant to Enhance Rams Experience; Rams Camp To Run July 26-August
10
St. Louis Rams fans can look forward to an
enhanced Rams Experience interactive display arena thanks to a
$27,000 grant to the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
(MACVB).
The sports sponsorship grant is contracted
through the BBDO advertising agency based in Chicago, in cooperation
with the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, according to Katherine
Walker, MACVB president.
The Rams Experience is offered in conjunction
with the sixth annual St. Louis Rams' Summer Training Camp, which
includes 25 scheduled practice sessions Thursday, July 26 through
Friday, Aug. 10 at WIU. The fanfest-type venue, located adjacent
to the practice fields on the north end of Western's campus, will
be open during team practices, which typically run from 9 to
11:30 a.m. and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Training camp
and the Rams Experience are open free to the public.
WIU and Macomb organized and debuted the
Rams Experience last year, supported with a $36,500 state tourism
grant.
Attractions will include the addition of
a Jugs football passing machine and an inflatable for younger
kids to play on. The venue will also offer a site where fans can
make their own trading cards and posters; a football skills area
featuring life-size action cutouts of Rams' speciality players;
informational displays and photo displays of Rams Park and the
TransWorld Dome; mini theatres, which will run Rams Super Bowl
highlights and videos; a training camp activities area for kids;
concessions; and Rams souvenirs.
Visitors to the Rams' Summer Training Camp
in Macomb can park free in Q-lot across from the practice fields.
Bleacher seating is available; spectators also may bring lawn
chairs and blankets. Alcohol is not allowed on campus.
Watch the WIU website (www.wiu.edu/Rams)
for updated Summer Training Camp news. Information is also available
through the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.makeitmacomb.com),
telephone 1-866-RAMSCAMP or 833-1315.
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