saints practice facility tour

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Saints Training Facility Tickets

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Saints announce 10 training camp practices open to public, practices on road with Packers

• July 12, 2022
• By Press Release
• Category: Saints

2022 New Orleans Saints Training Camp presented by Rouses will feature nine practices scheduled to be open to the public at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, La. In addition to the nine practices open to the public at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, the club will also host a practice open to fans at the Caesars Superdome at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21.

The team will hold its first practice in front of fans on Saturday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m. As part of the NFL’s “Back Together Saturday” initiative, the Saturday workout will feature multiple interactive and entertainment elements that will be announced soon.

All bleacher seating for practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center will again be covered and misted, providing fans with shade and a more comfortable experience. Upgraded concession and merchandise sales options will once again be available to fans. Autographs will be available from Saints players after practice.

Tickets for the Saints Training Camp presented by Rouses practices open to the public are free of charge, but capacity is limited. Fans can reserve tickets for open practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center by registering at www.neworleanssaints.com , where a limited number of tickets will be available. Saints season ticketholders can register for training camp tickets on Monday, July 18, season ticket waiting list members may register on Tuesday, July 19, and the general public can register on Wednesday, July 20. Tickets will be available starting at 10:00 a.m. each day. Further information regarding the August 21 practice at the Caesars Superdome will be made available soon.

All training camp practices are subject to short notice changes and adjustments based on weather and/or football operations decisions. The most updated information can be obtained by visiting www.neworleanssaints.com or following the Saints’ official Twitter ( @Saints ) or Facebook ( facebook.com/neworleanssaints ) platforms.

OPEN PRACTICES July 30, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 1, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 2, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 4, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 5, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 6, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 8, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 10, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 11, Ochsner Sports Performance Center August 21, Caesars Superdome (3:45 p.m.)

New Orleans Saints 2022 Training Camp presented by Rouses Fan Policies: Admission and Parking Information:

For fans wishing to attend Saints Training Camp practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, there is no charge. Fans need to register to attend practices in advance online at www.neworleanssaints.com. Fans must be ticketed to attend practice. Season ticketholders can register for training camp tickets Monday, July 18, season ticket waiting list members may register on Tuesday, July 19, and the general public can register on Wednesday, July 20. Tickets will be limited to four per an individual registrant for a maximum of two practices. Gates will open to the public 45 minutes prior to each practice. Covered, misted bleacher seating is available. Fans who have tickets reserved for practices are urged to attend those practices as space is limited, in order to allow the maximum number of fans to be able to attend.

Free public parking is available at the Shrine on Airline (6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA) in Lot B and is based on availability. Complimentary shuttle service from the parking lots to the expanded practice field entrance is provided for all practices, following ticket scanning and screening processes which will take place in Shrine on Airline Lot B. Items left in vehicles should be stored out of sight. Fans being dropped off or using ride share services can be dropped off in Lot C, where they be directed to Lot B for ticket scanning and screening processes.

The Saints and SeatGeek, the Official Primary Ticketing Partner of the New Orleans Saints, are making it easier than ever for fans to claim and manage their training camp tickets. Fans may claim their free tickets (limit 4 per account for a maximum of two practices) to attend the practices in advance at www.neworleanssaints.com, in the official Saints mobile app or on SeatGeek. Once claimed, fans will need to present their ticket(s) on their phone via the Saints mobile app presented by Verizon (Apple/Android) or SeatGeek app.

Practice Updates:

Fan alerts, updates and schedule changes will be made daily on www.neworleanssaints.com once training camp starts or on Twitter (@Saints) or Facebook (facebook.com/neworleanssaints). Please note that, in the event of inclement weather (including rain, thunderstorms, and extreme heat) practices will be moved indoors and will be closed to the public. Practice times and field locations are subject to change with little or no advance warning at the discretion of the football operations staff. Updates are promptly available on all of the club’s digital media platforms.

Player Autographs/Interactions:

Following each practice at Ochsner Sports Performance Center, Saints players will sign autographs for fans. Available players will sign autographs if weather, time and other circumstances permit. Please note, however, that autographs are not guaranteed.

Entertainment/Fan Experience Elements:

Fans can expect special appearances and opportunities to interact with Saints legends, entertainment teams, and mascots Gumbo & Sir Saint. More information will be shared as training camp approaches.

Concessions and Merchandise:

Food, beverages and merchandise featuring the newest New Orleans Saints gear are available for purchase.

Restrooms are available.

Guests with Disabilities Information:

Persons with disabilities and in need of accommodations should see a Saints representative for appropriate assistance. The ADA drop-off site is in front of the main entrance gate for practice.

Still Photos, Video and Cameras/Binoculars:

Fans are welcome to take photos of the players during training camp. However, video is prohibited. Saints staff may request at any time that you cease using those devices. Small cameras and binoculars will be allowed. No spectator cameras with lenses more than six inches long will be permitted. Binocular cases and camera bags are not permitted.

Hand-Wanding/Prohibited Items:

Fans are advised to arrive early as they will be checked via hand-wanding and all bags will be checked by security in the Shrine on Airline parking lot. To ensure that fans have a safe and enjoyable visit to Saints Training Camp, the following items are prohibited:

Animals, except service animals assisting those with disabilities. Artificial noisemakers (air horns, bullhorns, whistles etc.) Bats, Poles, Sticks, Clubs, and Projectiles Bicycles Contraband, Fireworks, and Glass Coolers and outside food and beverage, except for fans with medical/dietary needs Duffel bags, large bags and hard containers Hoverboards or other self-propelled devices Laser pens Objects that may obstruct another fan’s view, including umbrellas of over 4′ in diameter Oversized purses or handbags (none larger than 16″x14″x13″ are allowed) Remotely controlled model aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and drones Selfie sticks and video cameras Unauthorized Marketing/soliciting/vending Weapons and firearms (including fireworks, knives, pepper spray and electronic stunning devices) Any other item deemed unacceptable by Saints management The Ochsner Sports Performance Center is a smoke-free facility and no smoking, lighters or e-cigarettes are allowed on the grounds Fans are reminded to please leave such items secured in their vehicles. Prohibited items that are discovered will be confiscated, disposed of and will not be returned.

2022 SAINTS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE PRESENTED BY ROUSES (subject to change)

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Press Release

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Saints announce 2023 Training Camp schedule, including 7 practices open to public

July 12, 2023 Marc Lemoine Sports 0

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — 2023 New Orleans Saints Training Camp presented by Rouses Markets will feature practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana starting with the 9:00 a.m. practice on Friday, July 28.

As part of the NFL’s “Back Together Weekend” initiative, the practice at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 29 will be open to the public and feature multiple interactive and entertainment elements that will be announced soon.

All bleacher seating for practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center will again be covered and misted, providing fans with shade and a more comfortable experience. Upgraded concession and merchandise sales options will once again be available to fans. Autographs will be available from Saints players after practice.

Tickets for the Saints Training Camp presented by Rouses Markets practices open to the public are free of charge, but capacity is limited. Fans can reserve tickets for open practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center by registering at the Saints’ website .

Saints season ticketholders can register for training camp tickets on Monday, July 17, season ticket waiting list members may register on Tuesday, July 18 and the general public can register on Wednesday, July 19. Tickets will be available starting at 10:00 a.m. each day. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the Saints Season Ticket Holder Wait List for early access by visiting the Saints’ website .

All training camp practices are subject to short notice changes and adjustments based on weather and/or football operations decisions.

New Orleans Saints 2023 Training Camp presented by Rouses Markets fan policies are as follows:

Admission and Parking Information:  For fans wishing to attend Saints Training Camp practices at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, there is no charge. Fans interested in attending practice will need to register in advance for tickets. This can be done by visiting the Saints’ website . Space is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fans must be ticketed to attend practice. Tickets will be limited to four per an individual registrant for a maximum of two practices. Gates will open to the public 45 minutes prior to each practice. Covered, misted bleacher seating is available. Fans who request tickets are encouraged to use those tickets in order to allow the maximum number of fans to be able to attend.

Free public parking is available at the Shrine on Airline (6000 Airline Drive, Metairie) in Lot B and is based on availability. Vehicular traffic needs to enter the Shrine on Airline parking lots from Airline Highway to Deputy James Clarius Drive. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided for all practices from the parking lots to the practice field entrance, following ticket scanning and screening, which will take place in Shrine on Airline Parking Lot C. Items left in vehicles should be stored out of sight. Fans being dropped off or using ride share services can be dropped off in Lot B, then they will proceed to Lot C for ticket scanning and screening processes.

The Saints and SeatGeek, the Official Primary Ticketing Partner of the New Orleans Saints, are making it easier than ever for fans to claim and manage their training camp tickets. Fans may claim their free tickets (limit four per account for a maximum of two practices) to attend the practices in advance on the Saints’ website , in the official Saints mobile app or on the SeatGeek app. Once claimed, fans will need to present their ticket(s) on their phone via the Saints mobile app (Apple/Android) or SeatGeek app.

Practice Updates:  Fan alerts, updates and schedule changes will be made daily on the Saints’ website once training camp starts or by clicking on to Twitter (@Saints) or Facebook (facebook.com/neworleanssaints). Please note that, in the event of inclement weather (including rain, thunderstorms and extreme heat) practices will be moved indoors and will be closed to the public. Practice times and field locations are subject to change with little or no advance warning at the discretion of the football operations staff. Updates are promptly available on all of the club’s digital media platforms.

Player Autographs/Interactions:  Following each open practice at Ochsner Sports Performance Center, Saints players will plan to sign autographs. Available players will sign autographs if weather, time and other circumstances permit. Please note, however, that autographs are not guaranteed. 

Entertainment/Fan Experience Elements:  Fans can expect appearances and opportunities to interact with Saints special guests. More information will be shared as training camp approaches.

Concessions and Merchandise:  Food, beverages and merchandise featuring the newest New Orleans Saints gear are available for purchase.

Restrooms:  Restrooms are available.

Guests with Disabilities Information:  Persons with disabilities and in need of accommodations should see a Saints representative for appropriate assistance. The designated drop-off site is in front of the main entrance gate for practice.

Still Photos, Video and Cameras/Binoculars:  Fans are welcome to take photos of the players during training camp. However, video is prohibited. Saints staff may request at any time that you cease using those devices. Small cameras and binoculars will be allowed. No spectator cameras with lenses more than six inches long will be permitted. Binocular cases and camera bags are not permitted.

Hand-Wanding/Prohibited Items:  Fans are advised to arrive early as they will be checked via hand-wanding and all bags will be checked by security in the Shrine at Airline parking lot. To ensure that fans have a safe and enjoyable visit to Saints Training Camp presented by Rouses Markets, the following items are prohibited:

• Animals, except service animals assisting those with disabilities
• Artificial noisemakers (air horns, bullhorns, whistles etc.)
• Bats, Poles, Sticks, Clubs, and Projectiles
• Contraband, Fireworks, and Glass
• Coolers and outside food and beverage, except for fans with medical/dietary needs
• Duffel bags, large bags and hard containers
• Hoverboards or other self-propelled devices
• Objects that may obstruct another fan’s view, including umbrellas of over 4’ in diameter
• Oversized purses or handbags (none larger than 16”x14”x13” are allowed)
• Remotely controlled model aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and drones
• Selfie sticks and video cameras
• Unauthorized Marketing/soliciting/vending
• Weapons and firearms (including fireworks, knives, pepper spray and electronic stunning devices)
• Any other item deemed unacceptable by Saints management
• The Ochsner Sports Performance Center is a smoke-free facility and no smoking, lighters or e-cigarettes are allowed on the grounds

Fans are reminded to please leave such items secured in their vehicles. Prohibited items that are discovered will be confiscated, disposed of and will not be returned.

2023 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS TRAINING CAMP PRESENTED BY ROUSES MARKETS SCHEDULE

*Courtesy New Orleans Saints

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Saints Training Facility

Location & Hours

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5800 Airline Dr

Metairie, LA 70003

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Lots of folks coming here playing hookie from work and school lol. I mean there was a loooooooong line of fans waiting for the gates to open. I didn't want to take pics and snitch. HOWEVER, I just hope those who called out sick from work didn't get caught on the news because there were several cameras out present lol. Anyway, I enjoy this entire area, mainly for exercise. The people are nice and friendly and there's a lot of activities going on around the park and facility. I'd like to take an inside tour of the facility one day. There is an ardent security guard at the gate so be sure to have your credentials if you're planning to get anywhere near there. Big shout out to the folks who work so expeditiously assembling those bleachers and mega training camp banners. The training facility appears to have a super supportive team of people who help to keep the operations streamlined. Kudos!

See all photos from Crystal B. for Saints Training Facility

Went to an event at the Saints facility and it was really nice. We had our event in the teams conference room which was pretty cool. After our event, they took us through the facility. We were able to walk through the indoor practice facility, weight room and the rest of the facility. Such a great staff who took care of us during our event. We got to meet a few players as they were at the facility during the same time. Pretty cool experience that many people don't get to see.

Love dem boys! Yelping the Saints..how cool is that? Congratulations to the 2011 NFC Champs. The hangover was a rough one but the die hard fans continue to support the Who Dat nation. Drew Brees 'Oh lord Breesus' is still one of the best QB's in the league. We really had a strong team this year, with many record breakers. Jimmy Graham ' Got dam Graham' - just to name one, was one of my new favorites. My ALL TIME favorite is Pierre ' Flying Frenchman' Thomas. The experience of watching him running the ball was magical. I can't wait to see him ballin next year (hopefully in the NOLA baby). All the real fans show their support through W's and L's. I cringe when people say ' I used to wear a paper bag on my head'. Don't put a bag on your pretty 'lil' head. We have a culture that is unique and desired by most professional teams and cities. Dare to, no better yet, have a frenzy with uploading your Saints photos. Fresh spots to watch the games include: Hyatt, Jackson Brewery Bistro, Walk on's , Happy's, Cooter Brown's, WOW (NOLA East), Your Sofa, Tracey's, Gordon' Biersch, Bayou Beer Garden, Superior, Lucy's, Manning's ( hmmm) and New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood - just to name a few. The impact of the community involvement required from a professional team is commendable. We have players that exceed the minimum requirements needed to be a baller. Without Saints football, the city is just blah on Sundays. The financial gain from our National Football League team is ultra positive for the city of New Orleans. Hopefully, I can find a Sproles 'Sprole with it' Jersey next year to rock at a game. I am looking forward to season next year in the Mercedes Benz dome. New Orleans hosting the Super bowl is the icing on the dome. 'Baaabaaay buy me a drink, and let me watch this game'! Cheers and Deuces to the Who Dat Season of 2011....! Bring on the heart attack babies...

See all photos from Lynn W. for Saints Training Facility

WHO DAT FOR LIFE! Great facility. Great players. The best fans!

Went to a scouting event that was held inside. It was similar to the NFL camp that I once volunteered for. Plenty of inflatables, football throwing machines, and novel giveaways. I had about 30 kids that were ignoring every jump toy and game to the point that an official inquired. "Hey we rented all these inflatables and have all of these players signing footballs, what are y'all doing????" I sternly replied "doing what these kids came here for, we're playing three flies in!!" It sort of astonished him that kids would like to catch a football at football camp rather than wait in line for some inflatable obstacle course. But afterward we went from the indoor field to the press area, then to the workout room, and into the locker rooms. There were stern warnings drilled into everyone multiple times and stressed to chaperones- This is personal gear, so don't touch a thing!!! Most everybody walked really fast in order to get to the gaming consoles at the far end of the locker room. We met a player in the locker room by the name of Zach Streif. He took the time to talk to some of the kids and that really made the day for most of these young people. To this day there isn't a game that I watch without wondering "where's Zach?" If I was a Saints player I'd attend every function I could to cement my function with the team. He was such a nice guy you couldn't help but like him.!! We ended up leaving with food, drinks, and some type of souvenir if I'm not mistaken. It's a beautiful facility, and I'd recommend it for anyone to visit if given the chance...

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Saints Practice Facility Tours (1 Viewer)

• Thread starter APSaintsFan
• Start date Jun 22, 2008
• Latest activity Latest activity: Jun 23, 2008
• Jun 22, 2008

APSaintsFan

My wife and her friend are wanting to get a tour of the facility or even the Superdome. Can this be done without having to pay an extra ordinary amount for it. They are wanting to do it Friday or Saturday. I looked on neworleanssaints.com and did not see anything. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks AP  

Hall-of-Famer

I know they did Superdome tours Pre-K. Not sure about now.  

Mr. Blue Sky

Still p***ed at yoko.

Superdome is do-able (at least prior to the Storm), and though i've never taken the tour, i've heard it was actually quite good, even if you've been to the Dome a million times and thought you knew everything about it... but i don't think they have ever opened the practice facility for tours, with the possible exceeption of school field trips or something. just a guess, though.  

If I'm not mistaken, the Dome tours ended after 9/11. If there are practice facility tours, they do a lousy job of publicizing them.  

Super Forum Fanatic

i swore they did some facility tours last year, IIRC with schoolkids.. somewhere around this time, when they had the big "pep rally" granted probably doesn't help much.  

dome patrol

Knowucantreadmypokerface.

I remember going on a tour of the facility a few years ago, but it was a company function. Showed us the meeting/film rooms, lockeroom, dining, weightroom, traning room, etc. Really neat and I'll never forget seeing Wayne Gandy's big ole recliner sitting in the corner in the lockerroom. Good thing Payton got rid of that type of nonsense.  

dome patrol said: I remember going on a tour of the facility a few years ago, but it was a company function. Showed us the meeting/film rooms, lockeroom, dining, weightroom, traning room, etc. Really neat and I'll never forget seeing Wayne Gandy's big ole recliner sitting in the corner in the lockerroom. Good thing Payton got rid of that type of nonsense. Click to expand...

Phone's ringin', dude

i live two blocks from the practice facility.....hope that helps..... seriously, i have no idea.....i have been to the dolphins facility and it's pretty nice......i watched a QB practice.....my sister used to live in dade county.......  

• Jun 23, 2008

My wife is turning 40 along with her friend and they wanted to do a bunch of things down in NO. They are going to Harrahs also. They wanted to see the Saints Facilities and (I cannot remember what else down in NO) for their 40th birthdays. There birthdays are within 2 weeks of each other. AP  

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Saints moving training camp to renovate F-graded cafeteria

Pat McAfee weighs in on the Saints' decision to sign Chase Young knowing he'll undergo neck surgery before the start of the season. (1:07)

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints announced they are moving their 2024 training camp to the University of California, Irvine due to construction of their new cafeteria.

The Saints began renovating their cafeteria and weight room in 2023. The Saints received an F-minus on the NFL Players Association report card in 2023 for their food services/nutrition, which was tied for 30th and ranked in last place in the NFL. They also received an F in 2024 on their food/cafeteria grade, ranking 30th for that year.

"Currently, [owner Gayle Benson] and our organization have invested in the construction of a new cafeteria, that when completed, will be among the finest in the National Football League. The scope of this project makes it difficult to host training camp on-site in 2024, given the extensive needs for our team to prepare for the regular season," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a news release Friday.

The Saints received an A-minus grade for their weight room in 2023 and a B in 2024.

The cafeteria upgrades had "zero" to do with the report card, Saints president Dennis Lauscha said at the league's annual meeting in March.

"It's nothing against their survey, but we had it on the books for a while to improve the cafeteria, improve the cooking area," Lauscha said. "That cooking area and that cafeteria, although we still think it's new for some of the folks that have been there, it's over 20 years old. It had to be changed, it had to be upgraded. ... We want to have the best facilities. We want to be able to recruit and attract players, and in order to that, you have to have good facilities."

The Saints have not held their entire training camp at another location since a stint at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, from 2014 to 2016.

They returned to their practice facility in Metairie in 2017 and plan to hold training camp at home in 2025 when the renovations are complete.

"We don't have a cafeteria right now, we don't have cooking right now. We're upgrading all of those things, upgrading our weight lifting facilities," Lauscha said. "We can't get it all done by the start of training camp. I fully expect to be back in Metairie the following year when all the renovations are done.

The Saints have held portions of their training camp in California multiple times. They spent a week in Oxnard, California, in 2011 and held joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers in Costa Mesa from 2017 to 2019 and in 2022 and 2023.

The Los Angeles Rams most recently used the site in Irvine for their training camp from 2021 to '23.

Moving 2024 training camp makes sense for the Saints, but it's bad for fans

T he New Orleans Saints are planning to move their 2024 training camp to Irvine, Calif. this summer while construction continues on the team practice facility, as first reported by Jeff Duncan for the Times-Picayune | Advocate and confirmed by NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill . This was something we've been expecting after it was suggested last year .

It's a move that makes sense for the team. The Los Angeles Rams have held training camp at UC-Irvine's campus before, and the Saints know the area well after traveling for joint practices with the L.A. Chargers four times in the last seven years. From a pure logistics perspective, this looks like an ideal match.

And the Saints are only moving training camp this year because of ongoing renovations to their headquarters in Metairie, specifically the cafeteria. It's unclear whether this work is being done in response to an NFL Players Association survey that graded the Saints' food service and nutrition programs among the worst in the league , but it would appear team owner Gayle Benson is responding positively to that kind of feedback by paying for upgrades.

But there's one other factor to consider: the weather. Last summer, multiple open-to-public practices were moved to the indoor facility due to extreme heat. The changing climate impacted players on the field and led to health emergencies for some fans in attendance. Southern California is notably cooler in August than New Orleans and the Gulf South. There are clearly several benefits to moving training camp for a year.

With all that said: this is bad news for hometown fans. Training camp is the biggest free event (tickets must be reserved in advance, but at no charge) on the team's calendar and for many fans it's the only opportunity they'll have to see their favorite players in person, much less get autographs or photos and create lasting memories. The Saints are probably going to have some event to close out the preseason with fans in New Orleans, either at the Caesars Superdome or Tulane's Yulman Stadium, as they've done often; but that isn't the same as giving locals day-to-day access.

And it creates an awful optics situation in light of comments from general manager Mickey Loomis over the last year. Loomis has been condescending to fans and local media during his recent public appearances -- suggesting game tickets are too expensive for the home crowd , offering bogus stats to excuse Dennis Allen's poor performance , revising Saints history to try and make Derek Carr look better , and ignoring obvious vulnerabilities that lost the team games . He's ignored public criticism to run it back with an unpopular and unsuccessful head coach and double down on an underachieving quarterback .

Take that with the annual increase in season-ticket prices and the Saints moving training camp and it characterizes an antagonistic relationship between team leadership and the team's fanbase. As we've seen there are plenty of reasons for the Saints to move training camp away from New Orleans this year. Choosing to go all the way to California instead of using some of the many closer-to-home facilities available in football-centric Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas (or anywhere else between New Orleans and Irvine) is a disappointing decision.

Hopefully the Saints can make up for it. Something that would help: working with the league office to schedule their preseason games on the road earlier on, then playing the final exhibition game (or two) at home, coinciding with any open practices and fan events to reconnect with the community that's supporting them. We shouldn't overlook the opportunities for West Coast Saints fans to see the team in person, but ultimately Loomis and other decision-makers need to remember that this team is based out of New Orleans.

More 2024 season

Klint kubiak-derrick foster pairing can maximize saints' running backs, saints targeting ravens assistant keith williams for wr coach, dennis allen issues statement on hiring new oc klint kubiak, saints make it official, announce klint kubiak as their new offensive coordinator.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Moving 2024 training camp makes sense for the Saints, but it's bad for fans

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New Orleans Pelicans Practice Facility Tour

The New Orleans Pelicans have been using the new practice facility for a few weeks, but last week they gave a tour of the franchise’s new jewel.

The Practice Facility Saga

A practice facility was part of the deal that brought the Hornets to New Orleans, but the building did not materialize. When the franchise resumed full-time play in New Orleans, the practice facility commitment was given up in exchange for the familiar attendance benchmarks clause in the prior lease. As part of the sale of the franchise to Tom Benson, the NBA required a few things, including sufficient public funding to build a practice facility. Of course, this funding was secured. $10m in public funding was committed, but the organization kicked in several million more to make the facility one of the largest and finest in the NBA.

Overview of the Facility

The Practice Facility is located at the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans Headquarters at 5800 Airline Drive . New office space was added to the current office area. Also, the museum and other areas have had some Pelicans touches added.

The practice facility itself was placed on the same campus as the New Orleans Saints Training Facility, which is owned by the LSED . The campus is the only one of its kind, with headquarters and training facilities for both a NFL franchise and a NBA franchise. As noted, the organizations share some office space and facilities, including a nice cafeteria. Part of the old Voodoo practice facility was incorporated in the new Pelicans facility. Also, the security and parking was reconfigured to accommodate the new structure.

The Practice Facility is more than just a place to practice as a team or individual. The building includes spaces for training, meeting, and eating. There are offices, locker rooms, and places to take care of business related to basketball.

The Practice Facility is really the home of the Pelicans.

This is where Monty’s office is, along with his locker. The players and coaches will spend more time here than any other team-controlled space. They will have 24 hour access to the facility. When players can make themselves at home, spending time together there helps to build camaraderie, according to General Manager Dell Demps. Many other factors play a role in this, as well, but so far they have had all players report to the facility. Tyreke Evans even said Dell “undersold” the facility to him. Evans was also working in the facility on a Saturday morning recently, highlighting the utility of such a facility compared to one that is shared with other tenants.

This is the first time the organization has been on a single campus, adding to the air of stability that is settling around the franchise.

At a cost of about $16m, the 50,000 square foot facility has been nearly completed in terms of construction and outfitting. It is not clear if the the $16m went in to the practice facility only or the new office space, as well, but if it all went into the practice space, that is about $320 / sq.ft. to construct and outfit. This cost in not different from expectations based on construction and outfitting of other specialized buildings that require access restrictions, highly-mixed intended uses, and must be very clean.

It should be noted that costs to lease space downtown and the Alario center would have been ongoing costs to the franchise. This lowers the net cost of the purchase by some amount. So, for those balking at the cost to taxpayers, consider the entire cost and benefit situation rather than reacting to the large cost of this one transaction. Not everyone has to agree with the outlay, but the proper figures should be debated.

The team studied other facilities and took the best elements from those, plus their own touches, to create their facility, the second largest in the NBA.

Details of the Facility

Photos of the facility can be found here on pelicans.com . If you look closely in a couple of the pictures, you can see one of your (least?) favorite Bourbon Street Shots writers.

The northwest corner of the facility has a reception area that leads in to a medium-sized conference room. The conference room floor has a basketball court surface and windows looking both outside and into the main practice area.

The major feature of the Practice Facility is two full-sized practice courts complete with team logos, each running north-south (as much as anything in south Louisiana does). The courts are spaced from one another and the walls to allow foot traffic or standing groups of coaches, players, or bystanders. The west end of the court area features built-in bleacher space for spectators, including season ticket holders (504 525 4667). There is a goal at each end of each court with shot clocks, for a total of 4 such goals. There is an additional goal on the side of each court, the west side of the west court, the east side of the east court, as well. The walls also sport small scoreboards.

Natural light comes in from the north side of the high ceiling to supplement the ample electric lighting.

The north wall is lined with offices for team officials. Each office has a window that allows the occupant to view both courts when their door is closed. The offices are spacious, and Dell’s office has enough room to hold meetings.

The east wall has some small meeting rooms that overlook the courts. Here, coaches would prepare for practices or discuss how practice went. Ball racks and equipment stations sit below the windows.

Just south of these rooms (toward the river), a door leads to the weight and training area. There is room for cardiovascular training that overlooks the practice courts. This will allow a player relegated to training on a bike to still study the on-court activity. Part of the area is a basketball court surface, allowing individual drills. Besides the free and machine weight machines, there is room for stretching and other activities. TV’s and healthy foods are also provided, and natural light supplements that generated in the room.

Over the door heading back to the courts hangs a jersey of Baton Rouge native Bobby Phills that was brought over from the Alario Center.

The adjacent trainer’s room has several tables for players to get treatment. The room is loaded with medical supplies and equipment.

From the training area heading east, a hallway heads north-south while another continues east. To the south is the players’ entrance. As they enter and leave, there is an autograph room where players can sign balls, jerseys, etc. for the team to distribute. Continuing east is a bank of pigeonholes for mail and a series of three locker rooms. One is a small locker room for visiting players, such as those getting a tryout. Another is for staff. This is the old Voodoo locker room (with upgrades). Each coach, Monty included, has a locker here. The final locker room is for the players. Each player has his own massive locker with drawers, shelves , a bar, and doors to keep it all looking neat. Each player’s locker has his name and number above it. There is also seating by each locker and common area seating and tables. Other facilities include the now-famous barber chair (no word on who is a barber . . .), `facilities’ at the appropriate height for basketball player, a steam room, a hot tub, and a cold tub.

The team has its own equipment room and its own outdoor field behind the Saints indoor facility. The old Voodoo net is still affixed at one end. Here, the players can run, sprint, and train outdoors for a change of pace. There is also a small hill for the players to work into their routines.

Back on the north wall behind the player’s locker room, the players have their own small eating area. It’s stocked with healthy food and drinks and will have breakfast for players every morning. Each table has a couple bottles of hot sauce, as well. Lunches are served in the large, common cafeteria.

Back west toward the weight room is the team’s theater. It has a TV, white boards, and a large projector. It features stadium seating with about 30 comfortable chairs with cup holders.

Small appointments are still needed, such a photos of the team and some signs. The facility, as noted, is fully operational.

• Dell Demps recently returned from a scouting trip. He also noted that the team would likely add some players for training camp, indicating that each would have a chance to make the team.
• Dell is sporting a light beard.
• My favorite part of the tour was when a genuinely excited Dell told everyone how nice the facility was and how excited he was to show people. He said it would be like “Willy Wonka.”
• One of the more common questions was some variation on “Why do they need a barber’s chair?” I don’t think the team needs one, per se. Many companies, however, look for ways to distinguish themselves with little touches. If that’s a barber’s chair, so be it. Also, many companies provide certain benefits to their employees to keep them on site and on the job, turning travel time and distraction into productivity. If the chair does this for the players, then it is a great idea.
• Tom Benson said “3,000 to go” on the subject of tickets. With the team reportedly selling 12,000 season tickets (likely season ticket equivalents rather than full season tickets, but this could not be confirmed), the could indicate that the team is in fact leaving certain blocks of tickets for most games to allow for groups outings and walk-up sales. If so, this is a healthy strategy . The reported record for the team is good news in any case.

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