What to know about possible Raiders’ training camp move to Costa Mesa

Raiders aiming to beat summer heat

The Las Vegas Raiders are apparently trying to move their training camp from their Henderson, Nevada headquarters to Costa Mesa, California this summer.

It could be agreed upon soon as the Costa Mesa City officials are meeting on it this week.

Here are some thoughts on the possible move.

Beat the heat:

A primary reason for this surprise desire to move camps is to get away from the brutal Nevada heat. for training camp. The Raiders have had to adjust their training camps schedule and practice earlier during the past four training camps in Henderson in the day that which may be ideal because of the intense desert heat. Moving to the Southern California coast would alleviate that issue.

Telesco influence:

The plan is to train at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex for several weeks spanning July and August. The Chargers trained their after their move from San Diego. New Las Vegas general manager Tom Telesco, of course, was previously the Chargers’ general manager and and knows the complex well. Clearly, he’s been instrumental in this decision.

Chemistry building opportunity:

One of the reasons why some NFL teams (most teams stay at home for camp nowadays) like to go away for training camp is to help the players build a bond before a new season. They will live, eat and spend all day together in addition to their football work. In Henderson, most players go home after work like during the regular season. This would give the players a chance to build chemistry as part of the training-camp process.

Conclusion:

Many fans seem surprised the Raiders would be interested in leaving Henderson for the summer this soon after the move to Las Vegas. But the Raiders earlier planned to return to training camp in Napa, California where they trained while being based in Oakland. But COVID changed those plans. So, this desired planned move to Southern California is understandable. If it happens, it won’t be a big deal and it’s not a bad thing at all.