'Hard Knocks Day' tailgating underway at NRG Stadium

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- As the Texans hit the field tonight for training camp, fans are hitting the parking lots outside NRG Stadium to practice their tailgating.

It's been dubbed "Hard Knocks Day", festivities include a tailgate competition and "Back to School" drive. The first 1000 fans to bring a school supply item receive a "Hard Knocks" promotional item. The supplies collected will benefit the Houston Texans YMCA.

Seven groups including former Texans "Tailgater of the Game" and "Tailgater of the Year" winners were invited to show off their pride before judges.

"Very excited. We can't WAIT till the first game. We just can't wait. In fact we are just on pins and needles waiting to see who the #1 quarter back will be and to see JJ Watt," said Linda Wesley, who has been part of the Gridiron Tailgaters since the Texans became a franchise.

She is among hundreds who wore their Texans Red, White and Blue today. She took half a day off work to do so.

Training camp begins tonight at 6 p.m.

"Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Houston Texans" premieres August 11th on HBO vat 9 p.m. CT.