Cowboys training camp primer: Dates, location, how to watch, position battles & more

The start of training camp is meant to be celebrated. For the Dallas Cowboys, though, camp the last few years has been overshadowed by contract snafus. Last summer, standout guard Zack Martin missed the start of camp in search of a pay raise. Seeking to become one of the NFL's wealthiest wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb reportedly will follow Martin's lead this year if he doesn't have a new deal.

Contract distractions aside, this is a massive training camp for the Cowboys. Not only do they have a new left tackle in rookie first-round pick Tyler Guton, but Dak Prescott will also have to build chemistry with third-round pick Cooper Beebe, who's expected to start at center.

Just as important is that Mike Zimmer, hired to replace Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator, will be installing his defense. With no shortage of storylines and battles to track, here is everything Cowboys fans need to know.

When does Cowboys training camp start?

The Cowboys will fly out to training camp on July 23. The first practice will take place two days later at approximately 11:30 a.m. PT. Mike McCarthy's group won't leave the West Coast until Aug. 22, which makes this the longest camp trip out in Oxnard in franchise history.

Cowboys training camp location

Cowboys training camp will take place in Oxnard, CA. The team has long held training camp in California and has called Oxnard some since the early 2000s. They have a surprisingly strong following in Southern Cal., which is evidenced by the annual fan attendance numbers.

Can fans go to Cowboys training camp?

Cowboys fans can attend all practices that are open to the public free of charge. This begins with the first open session on Thursday, July 25 until the final open workout on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Here's a breakdown of every camp practice that is open to the public.

Key position battles to watch during Cowboys training camp

With several new and emerging faces, there will be multiple position battles that will shape the Cowboys' 2024 season. A few starting spots are up for grabs, so fans should have these battles in the back of their mind.

• Running back: Ezekiel Elliott vs Rico Dowdle 
• Center: Cooper Beebe vs Brock Hoffman
• Wide receiver: Jalen Tolbert vs Jalen Brooks 
• Linebacker: DeMarvion Overshown vs Damone Clark

The battle for WR3 has arguably the most attention after spring workouts. Don't be surprised if rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy climbs the depth chart as well.

In terms of the center position, Cowboys fans think Beebe has a leg up on Hoffman, but Hoffman is hungry to start and will give the rookie a heck of a battle. At running back, Elliott's experience gives him an edge over Dowdle, but Dowdle was perhaps the team's best back last season.

On defense, it will be interesting to see which linebacker stands out the most. Clark has a lot to prove after a shaky sophomore season. Cowboys reporters have spoken glowingly of Overshown amid his ACL rehab. The 2023 third-round pick tacked on several pounds of lean muscle in the offseason.

How to watch Cowboys training camp:

The Cowboys have not offered a platform to watch training camp live. Fans will have to attend camp in person to catch practice. For fans who can't make it to Oxnard, team reporters will post the occasional highlight video to social media.

Regardless if you plan to attend, The Landry Hat will have extensive coverage of Cowboys training camp from July 25 to August 22!

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