Citing “the current long-range forecast for the New Orleans area through the weekend,” the New Orleans Saints have announced changes to their training camp practice schedule. With rare heat hammering down Louisiana and the Gulf South — high temperatures are predicted to reach 98 degrees Fahrenheit this week, with intense humidity sending them dangerously high — the Saints are looking to limit everyone’s exposure to the elements.
Excessive heat warnings are in effect for many locales. When team drills began at Tuesday’s practice session, head index values rose as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The team will conduct stretching, warmups, and individual drills inside their indoor practice facility before moving outside for team drills at 10 a.m. CT; gates will open for fans to take their seats at 9:15 a.m. CT. So be prepared, and if you’re visiting Saints training camp adjust your plans accordingly.
Sure, part of the goal at training camp is to get players’ bodies in game-shape and help toughen them up for a long season. That doesn’t mean putting people at unnecessary risk. Not just the players themselves, but the team’s coaches, personnel, and the hundreds of fans in attendance. It’s a shame spectators won’t be seeing as much of practice as they planned on, but this is a smart move.
