Dallas Cowboys return to Ventura County

The Dallas Cowboys have arrived in Ventura County and will open training camp Saturday morning beginning at 9 a.m. at the River Ridge Athletic Field in Oxnard. Training camp practice sessions are free for the public, but parking fees apply.

Who: The Dallas Cowboys, featuring head coach Bill Parcells, wide receiver Terrell Owens, quarterback Drew Bledsoe, running back Julius Jones, safety Roy Williams and linebacker Bobby Carpenter.

What: Training camp, a monthlong endurance test where NFL players hone their skills for the upcoming season and try not to get injured.

Where: The River Ridge Athletic Field in Oxnard, located adjacent to the Residence Inn by Marriott. From the 101-North Freeway exit Vineyard Avenue and turn left. River Ridge is located at 2101 W. Vineyard Ave.

When: Training camp opens Sat., July 29 and will conclude Sun., Aug. 20. The team generally practices twice per day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 9 to 11 a.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m.

On most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the Cowboys will work once from 2 to 4:20 p.m. Sundays are generally off days, although there will be a practice session this Sunday from 2 to 4:20 p.m. For an upto-date training camp schedule, visit www.dallascowboys.com.

Why: With L.A. still searching for a franchise, watching the Cowboys practice is as close as many locals will get to viewing NFL talent in the flesh. It'll also be the team's final year in Oxnard, as they'll move training camp back to Texas in 2007.

Seeing Parcells and T.O. work together should be entertaining. Youth cheerleader camps, activities and memorabilia displays are also on tap.