Cards Make Right Choice In Glendale Over Flagstaff

Jun. 11, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell during mini camp at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals have held training camp in Flagstaff nearly every year since coming to the desert. This year will be the first time they hold training camp at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. There has been some backlash from those who relish the annual trip up north to escape the summer heat. I am not one of those people.

I am pumped for training camp to be held locally at the Stadium. It is going to be a lot easier to see more practices. In the past I would see one or two, this year I will get to see four to five. It will be in the air-conditioned stadium with concessions open. There will not be any rainouts, either. Free admission and parking with food and drink for purchase sounds wonderful to me. Nine dollar beers are still cheaper than gas and a hotel in Flagstaff.

I am past the “tradition” argument. What tradition? It is a tradition of losing. The Cardinals have a new coach and new regime in place. Now is the time to mix it up by starting something new, something special.

Holding training camp in Glendale also allows for the team to be much more efficient logistically with regard to travel and medical needs. For example, if Jonathan Cooper signs his contract the morning of the first day, he will practice that day, not the next day after driving up to Flagstaff.

I think the Cardinals made right choice here. It is also well documented the facilities in Flagstaff at Northern Arizona University are some of the worst facilities in the league for an NFL team’s training camp. The experience at University of Phoenix Stadium is going to be better for all parties involved.