Potential Lions Alternate Training Camp Options

News broke this week that the Lions were extended an invite to have their training camp at The Greenbrier in West Virginia if Michigan leadership does not allow them to use of their practice Facility in Allen Park. There is a high probability that the contentious battle between Gov Whitmer and State Lawmakers could drag on, this could also lead to several more extensions of the stay-at-home orders that are currently set to expire on June 12th.. With training camp fast approaching, and the threat of Carolina Panthers looking for a temporary home while the RNC is going on in Charlotte, it may behoove the Lions to move quickly to find at least a temporary training camp for 2020 to ensure they will not be at a competitive disadvantage due to ongoing stay-at-home orders in Michigan and several surrounding states.

As Canada, Illinois and Pennsylvania are still under lockdowns, that leave border states such as Ohio, Indiana, New York and today’s media darling West Virginia as potential sites for the Lions to make contingency plans to hold their Training Camp without interruptions.

Having said that, I took a look at multiple sites that might be an option to host the Lions for training camp if it comes to it. Three of the four happen to be in the state of Ohio, but you cant be choosy when you don't have options.

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The Greenbrier

West Virginia

Facilities:

Greenbrier Sports Performance Center – Outdoor Turf/Grass Practice Fields

Why the Greenbrier?

It is a luxury facility that have hosted both the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans in years past for training camp. The Lions can haul their weights, machines and training gear to West Virginia for the duration and practice in relative anonymity.

Why not the Greenbrier?

Its literally in the middle of nowhere in the Appalachian Mountains and all training equipment including weight room facilities will have to be trucked in. Not a small task when the clock is ticking and planning would have to be done in ~two weeks.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame

Canton, OH

Facilities:

National Football and Youth Sports Complex – Outdoor Turf Fields

Canton McKinley Don Scott Grass field

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Why the Pro Football Hall of fame in Canton?

Why not? They have an NFL ready stadium, four championship level Football/Lacrosse Turf Fields and Canton McKinley’s Don Scott Grass field to really spread out.

Why not Canton?

Much like Bowling Green, it may be a challenge to get accommodations for 150+ players, coaches and staff. In addition, I do not believe that there is a NFL caliber weight and training facility on the grounds, but I could be wrong. There is also the issue of disruptions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Ceremonies and Game that are to occur at the beginning of preseason, that would lead to an even bigger crunch of accommodations (assuming things are back to normal, a big if).

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Bowling Green University

Bowling Green, OH

Facilities:

Outdoor Grass Fields

Doyt Perry Stadium – Outdoor Turf

Why Bowling Green?

It’s close, a mere hour and a half form Allen Park and frankly, the University could really use an infusion of cash. They are projecting a $29M shortfall and have $2M in Athletic Budget cuts on the table, including cutting the baseball program. The facilities will not be the greatest, but Doyt Perry is a turf field and there is a significant amount of natural grass fields surrounding the stadium that can be used.

Why not Bowling Green?

The facilities are below par for a MAC school, let alone an NFL franchise. It’s doubtful that they will have time to put much money into it, and without an indoor practice facility, the unexpected NW Ohio weather could come into play with disruptions. Housing for 150 players, coaches and support staff will be a challenge in Bowling Green, unless they utilize the southern suburbs of Toledo (10 miles away).

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Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Facilities:

Field Sports Building - Indoor Truf facility

Multiple Outdoor Turf and Grass Fields

Scheumann Stadium - Outdoor Turf Stadium

Why Ball State?

The drive isn't too far to Muncie, and the campus has a traditional college feel to it with plenty of space and amenities to have a team descend on the town. There are plenty of outdoor fields available for sharing with NFL and MAC teams, and similar to Bowling Green, almost every MAC school could use an infusion of cash.

Why not Ball State?

The facilities are about a year away from being ready, with the current indoor practice field last renovated in 2000 and the new $25M facility just breaking ground. The lions may not want to invest in upgrading fields and equipment for a one-year use of the facility. Although it is a college town, last minute accommodations could be an issue.

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Massillon High School

Massillon, OH

Facilities:

Paul L David Training Center – Indoor Practice Facility

Paul Brown Tiger Stadium – Outdoor Turf Field

Why Massillon?

Do not laugh, these are some of the finest facilities in the state of Ohio, rivaling the MAC schools and pretty much any other high school not in Texas. Their Indoor facility and stadium are both world-class and this is pretty much the birthplace of football.

Why not Massillon?

Accommodations for the 150+ Lions entourage, lack of outdoor grass fields and Training Facilities likely not up to NFL level.

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Fortress Obetz

Obetz, OH

Facilities:

Fortress Obetz – Outdoor Turf Field

Multiple Natural Grass Fields

Columbus Crew Training Complex 1/4 mile away

Why Fortress Obetz?

Surprisingly, the multipurpose turf field is of great quality and was the home of the Ohio Machine, a now defunct semi-pro Lacrosse team. It is located in a secluded suburb of SE Columbus, OH and has access to the MLS Columbus Crew training facilities right next door.

Why not Fortress Obetz?

The facility hosts multiple youth Lacrosse and Football tournaments in the fall along with various festivals. Although it is located within the outer belt that surrounds Columbus, the accommodations and amenities in the immediate area are pretty sparse and would require bussing in the team and support staff from somewhere else in the city.

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Others Options:

Ohio University - Athens, OH

Syracuse University - Syracuse, NY

Miami, OH University - Oxford, OH

Baldwin-Wallace University - Berea, OH (Close proximity to Browns)