RICHMOND, Va - The second year of Washington Redskins Training Camp in Richmond is only four days away. Signs of camp are going up all around the Bon Secours Training Facility on Leigh Street.
White tents are up all around the practice fields and the chalk board at Gus' Sports Bar and Grill has started its own official countdown.
Local businesses are ramping up for the possibility for an influx of customers. At Gus', managers have scheduled extra staffers this week ahead of a potential rush.
"People would come in crying because they waited all day for RGIII's autograph, and they missed him by minutes," said Katie Morris, who works at Gus'.
The passion in Richmond for the team cannot be missed, but last year, some business owner's told CBS 6 they missed the spike in sales that was promised to come with training camp. A study by the city said training camp generated $10 million in revenue last year during three week camp. However, several business around the facility said the bump is sales were not as significant as projected.
Several changes have been made this year aimed at improving fan experience. Unlike last year, local food trucks will be allowed to set up inside the grounds and the New England Patriots will hold joint practice sessions.
"The food trucks are awesome; our restaurant is great. It's really all about your preference; what you want," said Morris.
"I've had friends from where I'm from in Boston say, 'You know the Patriots are coming down. They're going to be right in your backyard. We're coming to visit," said Kevin O'Leary, owner of Ardent Brewery is Scotts Addition.
Training camp begins Thursday.
