If you want to see the stars come out, you can wait for a clear night.

St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk takes on a blocking sled as running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery looks on during a training camp practice Thursday in Macomb, Ill. The Associated Press

Or you can jump in your car and head to an NFL training camp.

There are five camps that are an afternoon drive away from the Iowa City area. You don't even have to be a fan of the Chiefs, Bears, Packers, Rams or Vikings to enjoy the experience of getting close to NFL players.

"Seeing the players and actually being able to stand next to them is the main draw," said Sarah Koenig, public relations coordinator for the Packers. "Just seeing the size of the guys. You can get autographs or just sit outside the fence and watch them practice."

Every team has a little different setup for the viewing public during training camp. The Packers have the most extensive, fan-friendly setups.

Not only can fans enjoy the Packers Experience - an interactive area at Lambeau Field, but Green Bay players have an old tradition of riding children's bicycles to the practice fields. And if they don't ride, they usually buddy up with a kid on the way to the field.

It's a Green Bay training camp mainstay dating back to Vince Lombardi.

"The tradition is just so great," Koenig said. "The players really enjoy it and the kids love it."

More... • Need more information to plan your trip to see a NFL team preparing for the upcoming season? Visit these Web sites. www.bearstrainingcamp.info www.vikingstrainingcamp.com www.packers.com www.stlouisrams.com www.kcchiefs.com

Up in Mankato, Minn., you can enjoy the Vikings Village, which includes an autograph zone, interactive games, entertainment, a food court plus lots and lots of merchandise.

There is also a free youth football clinic on Monday, Aug. 16, put on by the Minnesota State coaching staff, and a cheerleader clinic on Aug. 17 hosted by the Vikings cheerleaders.

For Chiefs fans, Tuesday, Aug. 17 is Family Fun Night. Kansas City also travels to Mankato, Minn., for a scrimmage with the Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 7.

That's the same day the Bears will visit the Rams' camp in Macomb, Ill., for a scrimmage.

When the teams visit, the two squads practice together Friday, before Saturday's scrimmage.

The big night in Bourbonnais, Ill., where the Bears have their camp, is on Saturday, Aug. 14. Unfortunately for anyone reading this, the premium seats are already sold out for Olivet Appreciation Day. But if you buy a ticket early enough next year, you could "get the shirt off a player's back" autographed by a Bear.

Each team's Web site gives information about the training camp schedule.

"I think everyone is looking forward to the NFL season to start," Koenig said. "It's a perfect time to go. Kids aren't in school. You can get closer to the player than they probably could otherwise. We have a unique experience here. Fans, just several feet away, can see Brett Favre, see his face."

Of the five local teams, only the Chiefs are very far from their home in Kansas City. The reason they camp at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is two-fold.

One, to get out of the what can be sweltering mid-August heat, and the second is to build camaraderie on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River. They are only one of two teams (out of 32) that travel out of their area for training camp.

Finally, if you love NFL football but can't get time off to go see your favorite team in person, then you may want to check out the NFL Network in August. The new cable channel is showing 54 preseason games in 24 days.

The 2004 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 9.