A year ago the 49ers started what would be Mike Nolan's last training camp.  At the time I put together a quick primer to kick things off, and I thought it would be appropriate to do that again this year.  The first practices of training camp are tomorrow, so now is as good a time as any for this.  Even the pessimists among us have to be excited for training camp.  Maybe they think the team will suck, but at least football is back.  There's really something out there for everybody.  If you're looking to join the conversation and are new to the community, or just never registered, registration is simple, and more importantly, free.  Just scroll to the bottom of the page to join.  I promise you won't regret it.

Practice Facilities
Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Center
4949 Centennial Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA
4 practices (over two days) open to the public: August 1 (8:30am, 4:20pm); August 8 (8:30am, 4:00pm).

As to the public practice schedule, there are only 4 open practices because the team is in the midst of a big renovation projection at the facility and are keeping things relatively low profile.  For a quick tentative rundown of all practices, Dan Brown had a rundown earlier this month.

2009 Preseason Schedule

Veteran Additions
Brandon Jones, WR
Moran Norris, FB
Marques Harris, OLB
Damon Huard, QB
Demetric Evans, DE
Dre Bly, CB

2009 Draft Class
Michael Crabtree, WR
Glen Coffee, RB
Scott McKillop, ILB
Nate Davis, QB
Bear Pascoe, TE
Curtis Taylor, S
Ricky Jean-Francois, DT

Training Camp Battles to watch
QB1: Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith
Cornerback #2: Dre Bly vs. Tarell Brown vs. Shawntae Spencer
Starting Wide Receivers: Isaac Bruce vs. Brandon Jones vs. Josh Morgan vs. Jason Hill
4th/Practice Squad Running Back: Thomas Clayton vs. Kory Sheets
Backup Offensive Tackle: Barry Sims vs. Alex Boone
Left Defensive End: Isaac Sopoaga vs. Kentwan Balmer vs. Demetric Evans
6th Wide Receiver: Arnaz Battle vs. Dominique Zeigler

Naturally we'll have 24/7 coverage of training camp so be sure and check back every day.  The return of football means there will be quite a bit more information to discuss around here, thankfully.  Speaking of which, if you're looking for additional up-to-the minute coverage, don't forget to check out Matt Barrows' and Matt Maiocco's respective blogs after you've gotten your fill here.