The New York Giants today announced that if and when training camp begins in will be held at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, N.J. rather than at the UAlbany. Camp has been held in Albany for the past 15 seasons.
"We have notified President (George M.) Philip and Dr. (Lee) McElroy at the University at Albany, as well as Mayor (Gerald) Jennings, that we will not be holding training camp there this summer," Giants President and Chief Executive Officer John Mara said. "In light of current circumstances, it simply became impractical for us to hold camp away from home. The University at Albany and the Capital Region has been a great summer home for us for 15 years, and we have every intention of returning there in 2012."
The Timex Performance Center, the Giants' state-of-the-art complex which opened in 2009, has three grass fields, a turf field outdoors and a full-sized indoor field.
"While I was disappointed when John Mara called me this morning, I fully understand the Giants' decision," said University at Albany President George M. Philip, "We have a strong relationship with the team and have enjoyed hosting their summer camp for the past 15 years. We will miss the vibrancy and excitement the Giants would have once again brought to the University and the region this summer. We wish them luck in the upcoming season and look forward to their return in 2012."
According to the release the Giants feel that even if the lockout should end within the next few days they have too little time to transport equipment, weights, medical supplies, etc. and to organize the transportation of players - many of whom are not currently signed - to Albany. Head coach Tom Coughlin and his staff also feels that, after missing an offseason with the Giants players, their time will be more efficiently spent at the team's home base.
This is, of course, bad news for us here at Big Blue View. It means yours truly won't be able to attend camp on a daily basis.
In the end, though, as long as there is a training camp -- and a season -- I think everyone will be happy.