Football season has officially started. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and coaches have reported to training camp and practices began Friday morning. 

And with this year's training camp comes elevated expectations. The Buccaneers are coming off a 9-7 season, their first winning campaign since 2010, and have been a popular pick this off-season to end a 10-year playoff drought. 

The team will also be on display nationally as HBO cameras roll during training camp for the latest installment of "Hard Knocks," a yearly behind-the-scenes look at teams during camp.

"For us to become a great team, you know, everybody come together," said linebacker Kwon Alexander, speaking to the media after reporting to One Buc Place on Thursday. "You know, we're going to be working hard this camp. And you know, there's going to be a lot of great things that are going to happen."

Friday's morning practice is one of 13 open to the public during training camp. 

In an effort to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures for both players and fans, the team has scheduled 12 of the 13 open practices to begin at 8:45 a.m. and conclude by approximately 10:50 a.m, with some ending earlier. 

The team will also host a special Military Appreciation Day on Monday, July 31, which will only be open to members of the military. Season pass members will also enjoy two exclusive practice sessions on Thursday, Aug. 3 and Tuesday, Aug. 8. 

The first preseason game is Aug. 11 at Cincinnati. The regular season opens Sept. 10 at Miami. Game tickets are now on sale.

"I see why it's a lot of excitement," said wide receiver Mike Evans. "We have a really good team, a really good roster. So, hopefully we all stay healthy and put in the work and we can reach our goal, that’s to make the playoffs."

Open practice dates: 

DAY                DATE              TIME              

Friday              July 28             8:45-10:30 a.m.

Saturday         July 29             8:45-10:30 a.m.

Sunday            July 30             8:45-10:40 a.m.

Wednesday     August 2          8:45-10:50 a.m.

Friday              August 4          8:45-10:50 a.m.

Saturday         August 5          8:45-10:50 a.m.

Monday           August 7          8:45-10:50 a.m.

Wednesday     August 9          8:45-10:50 a.m.

Saturday         August 19        9:45-11:50 a.m.

Sunday            August 20        8:45-10:50 a.m.

Tuesday          August 22        8:45-10:50 a.m.

Wednesday     August 23        8:45-10:50 a.m.

Thursday         August 24        8:45-10:50 a.m.