With the Dallas Cowboys holding their training camp in California, the team's annual Silver and Blue Debut on Thursday was the first chance for many of the DFW fans to see the latest version of America's Team. The parking lots opened at 2:30 p.m. and thousands of fans were lined up to in anticipation of getting the best seats for the action when the Cowboys Stadium doors opened at 3:30 p.m.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders got things started around 4:15 p.m. as a special treat for the early arriving fans prior to the players taking the field. Fans were also treated to performances by the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue Dancers and the Rhythm & Blue Drummers up on the Miller Lite Landing. The practice was the team's first workout since returning from California in preparation for the first home preseason game, Saturday at 7 p.m. against the St. Louis Rams.
Cowboys legends including Roger Staubach, Randy White, Walt Garrison and Jay Novacek were in the stadium for the event. A handful of lucky fans were allowed field access courtesy of the 'Second-Chance" drawings from the Dallas Cowboys scratch-off lottery tickets. The field level Miller Lite Club was also a popular spot as veteran Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were on hand to sign calendars.
Many of the team's marquee players including DeMarcus Ware, Miles Austin, Jay Ratliff, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten did not participate due to injury, but it did not appear to dampen the fans' enthusiasm. The official attendance was 10,121 fans clad in Cowboys colors and ready to see the real thing after watching simulated goal-line situations and receivers running routes for quarterbacks Tony Romo and Kyle Orton.
The Cowboys final preseason game is Wednesday August 29th when they host the Miami Dolphins. The regular season begins Wednesday September 5th when the Cowboys travel to play the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
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