Jets to Land on Main Street July 25

07/25/2013 

Coaches and players from the New York Jets will once again stop in downtown Cortland for a public greeting on their way to summer training camp at SUNY Cortland.

A bus carrying first-year players, head coach Rex Ryan and other Jets officials will stop on Main Street, between Court and Tompkins streets and is scheduled to arrive between 3 and 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25.

“This is an exciting three weeks for everyone involved, whether loyal fan, dedicated business owner or proud community member,” said City of Cortland Mayor Brian Tobin. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to showcase our city and celebrate one of Central New York’s most unique connections to a professional sports team.”

In what has become an opening-day tradition, Ryan is expected to briefly introduce some of the Jets’ new players to the crowd, then thank the community for its support. Last year, an estimated 1,000 people packed that section of Main Street to welcome the team with cheers, signs and chants of “J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!”

“The Cortland community is looking forward to the return of our New York Jets,” said Bob Haight, the executive director of the Cortland County Chamber of Commerce. “When fans visit Cortland, the economic impact is a huge boost to our local economy and the energy that is generated by having them here is noticeable to us all.

“You’ll see signs throughout the area welcoming the Jets and their fans. We’re glad to have them back.”

The Jets will train at SUNY Cortland for three weeks, leaving Aug. 15. During that time the team will hold 15 public practices — four more than in 2012 — which fans are invited to watch for free.

“We are excited to welcome the Jets back to Cortland and our beautiful campus for a fourth year of summer training camp,” SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum said. “Their arrival is something that the Cortland community looks forward to every summer.”

The team will hold its popular Green and White Scrimmage, during which the first-string offense and first-string defense go head-to-head in the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex, at 6 p.m. on Aug. 3.

Daily practices will be from 10 a.m. until noon. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. In addition to the action on the field, visitors can enjoy Jets Fest, a football theme park for kids, and shop for official team merchandise in the Jets Shop.

Although the Jets invite all fans to attend open practices, please note that all schedules are subject to change. Practices may be canceled or closed to the public in the event of inclement weather.

Fans should call the team’s fan line at 973-549-4844 or visit the team’s Training Camp page for the most up-to-date news regarding practice schedules. Updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

Visitors and fans also can find practical information about the 2013 Jets Training Camp on the SUNY Cortland website.

All camp visitors will be subject to new security procedures upon entry. Unlike previous years, this will include screening and bag searches.

Visitors should also be aware that SUNY Cortland, including the Jets practice fields, is now a tobacco-free campus. No tobacco products of any kind may be used on the property.