Flurry of excitement as Governor visits Redskins training camp in Richmond

Governor Bob McDonnell at Friday's last day of Redskins Training Camp.

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan and the Governor as owner Dan Snyder (center) looks on. General Manager Bruce Allen (not pictured) was also on hand to greet the Governor.

Photos with a young Redskins fan.

Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell made an unannounced stop at the Redskins Training Camp in Richmond on Friday, causing excitement and a flurry of photos. Reporter Michael Phillips with the Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote:

Speaking with reporters, [McDonnell] praised the site and the team as being a business driver for the state.

“When they approached us about looking at different sites, we said we didn’t want them going back to Carlisle, to Pennsylvania or someplace like that,” he said. “Our economic development people did a tremendous job putting together an incentive package to keep them here. And then we’ve got the long-term commitment of the Redskins to Virginia – $30 million of improvements in Loudoun County, Bon Secours teaming up with the Redskins to have the beautiful facility here – it means the Redskins will be headquartered in Virginia for a long time.”

That's music to the ears of thousands of fans who have flocked to training sessions, interacting with players and coaching staff and enjoying fan gatherings in the Richmond area.

At Fan Appreciation Day on August 2, when over 25,000 supporters lined up along the street and around the block, McDonnell expressed the excitement of Virginians at having the facility in Richmond. Commenting to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, he said:

"Richmond is Redskins Country! We knew Virginia loved the 'Skins, and today we can give 100,000 examples of just how much. Through the hard work of so many individuals from the Redskins to Mayor Dwight Jones and his staff to the great people at Bon Secours, the Commonwealth has won already, a month before the NFL season even kicks off,” said Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.

“The Redskins have a world class training facility, Richmond is the place to be for football fans this August, and Virginia's long and important relationship with a storied NFL franchise has only deepened.

"I hope fans have a great time today, and as Governor of Virginia, it's my pleasure to say 'Hail to the Redskins!’"

As training ends, it's time for the 2013 season to begin. Hail to the Redskins!