The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a notable shift in their preseason preparations for 2024, as plans are underway to relocate their training camp from the familiar confines of their Metairie facility to the University of California-Irvine in sunny Southern California. This move, still pending final agreements, is driven by significant construction projects at their Metairie campus, specifically targeting the cafeteria and indoor facility, necessitating a change in venue for the summer workouts.
The relocation marks a continuation of the Saints’ history of holding training camp sessions away from their home base, a practice they’ve undertaken eleven times previously. Their selection of Irvine as the new location comes with a sense of familiarity for the team, thanks to their history of joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers in the Orange County area between 2016 and 2019 and again in 2023. These short, 3-day trips have given the Saints a taste of what to expect as they plan for an extended stay in 2024.
The shift to California for the 2024 training camp isn’t the Saints’ first foray out of state for preseason activities. From 2014 to 2016, the team held its training camp at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, showcasing their willingness to adapt and explore new environments for their preseason preparations. The move to Irvine represents a strategic decision to maintain the team’s high training standards amidst the logistical challenges posed by the construction projects at their main facility.
As the Saints finalize the details of their upcoming summer in Irvine, the team looks forward to the opportunities this change of scenery will bring, both in terms of facilities and the potential for building team camaraderie in a new setting.
Read the full report by Fletcher Mackel on WDSU Channel 6 here.
