Release the editors!

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

I guess we're starting this year's Amazing Trev Trip of Wonderment a little bit early, as the kid's beloved Robot Genius has seen fit to open practice to the teeming hordes willing to head to South Bend at the crack of dawn....

(HT: UND.com) NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Fans looking to get a sneak peek of the 2007 Notre Dame football team are invited to attend Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, Aug. 11 inside Notre Dame Stadium. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts until 11:30 a.m. and is free to everyone in attendance.

Led by head coach Charlie Weis, the Irish coaching staff will run the football team through its only public practice for two and a half hours, weather permitting. Gates at Notre Dame Stadium open at 8:30 a.m. and seating is on a first come, first served basis in the lower bowl.

Stadium concession stands will not be open but fans will be allowed to enter with non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers. Notre Dame ushers will be present at the gates and throughout the Stadium and will remove any patrons who bring in alcoholic beverages or glass containers. Restrooms will be open in the lower bowl of Notre Dame Stadium.

Autographs and/or photos with the players or coaches will not be available prior to, during or following practice. Fans are encouraged to park in the lots located just south of the Stadium. Tailgating prior to and following practice will not be permitted. If weather forces the team to practice inside, the event will not be rescheduled.

WHAT: Fan Appreciation Day
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 11, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Notre Dame Stadium
COST: Free (No tickets required)
SEATING: General Admission in the lower bowl (First come, first served)
PARKING: In lots south of Notre Dame Stadium or Library lots
GATES: All gates will open at 8:30 a.m.

We're tentatively scheduled to have Irish take in all of the morning splendor with co-defendant Brian from HouseRockBuilt, hopefully with pictures, sound, and video if he deciphers the secret map I created to reveal the hiding place of his camera. I will likely be unable to attend as I have a bender penciled in for this evening.

Of course, kid, while you're out there at practice and all, see if you can get some reps in with the slapping coaches. You hit like a girl.

Trev Alberts is a former ESPN stuffed shirt. When he hits you you'll know it.