Season Ticket Members visited Chargers Park on Tuesday for the first day of Mini Camp.
Philip Rivers smiles on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Kellen Clemens and Philip Rivers arrive at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
The Chargers prepare to play against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Denzel Perryman arrives at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Korey Toomer arrives at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Keenan Allen arrives at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Tyrell Williams runs at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Sean Culkin and Sean McGrath warm-up at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Melvin Ingram arrives at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Tre Boston stretches at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Isaac Rochell arrives at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
The Chargers cornerbacks strike a pose at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
The Chargers tight ends strike a pose at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Philip Rivers spends time with a fan before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Philip Rivers walks onto the field at StubHub Center before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, CA.
Melvin Gordon runs for a first down during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Keenan Allen celebrates his touchdown with teammate Melvin Gordon during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Tyrell Williams makes a play during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Rayshawn Jenkins and Trevor Williams look ahead during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Philip Rivers throws during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Darius Philon and Melvin Ingram sack Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Kyle Emanuel defends against Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Melvin Gordon gains yardage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Jahleel Addae celebrates a tackle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Keenan Allen scores a touchdown after recovering Melvin Gordon's fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Darius Philon celebrates his sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper can't make the catch as Casey Hayward defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Travis Benjamin celebrates with Keenan Allen after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Antonio Gates make a 20-yard catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Tre Boston makes an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Keenan Allen smiles after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Branden Oliver gains yardage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Philip Rivers celebrates with wide receiver Keenan Allen after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Tre Boston celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Desmond King celebrates a strong defensive play against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Carson, Calif.
Chargers Season Ticket Members have many perks throughout the entire NFL season. But for the first time, these loyal fans were treated to a mini camp practice that was open exclusively for them.
"We are always looking for new ways to give our season ticket members exclusive access and we are excited to provide them this opportunity to view the team's mini camp practice," said A.G. Spanos, President – Business Operations for the Chargers.
Nearly 1,500 Season Ticket Members flocked to Chargers Park on Monday to take in the sights and sounds of the team's first day of mini camp.
"It's nice they rolled out the red carpet for us; it feels good," said William Jones Jr., a season ticket holder for 10 years. "It makes me feel special because the Chargers are special. They've always been a special team to this area with a lot of history behind them."
"It's nice to see the new team and it's less crowded than the public practice so it's more intimate," added Wayland Hank, an 11-year season ticket member. "It's something to get excited about for the season. Being here is a perk and something that makes you feel appreciated."
Head Coach Mike McCoy was equally excited and appreciative for the turnout of Season Ticket Members.
"It's great to have our season ticket holders out here today," he said. "(It was) a great turnout today (and) it just adds a little bit of energy and excitement."
Some fans, like Don Shanahan, have been Season Ticket Members for almost four decades. Others, like Joe Weaver, are first-year members. After attending a team festival at Qualcomm Stadium, Weaver decided to invest in tickets knowing he'll be able to share "quality family time" on Sundays.
In addition to attending all home games and exclusive practices, Season Ticket Members also enjoy many benefits throughout the season.
"Last year, my son and I got to tour the facility which was really cool," mentioned Alex Brown, a Season Ticket Member since 2003. "So getting to do things we normally wouldn't get to do unless you had season tickets makes it more worthwhile."
Yet according to many members, one of the biggest perks of all is the camaraderie they build with the city of San Diego and each other.
"I think it's important to be (bonded) with the community," mentioned Meredith Levin, who has held her tickets for 20 years. "It's about more than sports, it's about being a part of San Diego and its community. It's about what the Chargers do for us and what we can do for them."
"It's a fun camaraderie," added Hank. "I told my wife, she married me and my season tickets! So we go to the games and have a good time. We don't see too much of (our season ticket friends) during the offseason but when then we come back, there's about 30 of us at the tailgate consistently."
Tickets for all 10 home games are currently only available by becoming a valued Season Ticket Member. Additional perks include significant savings over individual game prices, special access to closed practices and behind the scenes tours as well as exclusive discounts from Chargers partners and the Chargers Team Store at Qualcomm Stadium.
Click here for more information about becoming a Season Ticket Member.
