Saints president Dennis Lauscha admits he was not confident that the Greenbrier could have the team’s practice facility ready for the start of camp last week.
Construction started April 8 and Greenbrier owner Jim Justice had crews working 24/7 to finish the three fields and 55,000 square foot building. Lauscha said he had a back-up plan for keeping the team in New Orleans if the facilities here had not been completed on time.
—Former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert (“ay-bare”) is on site with the team. The “Cajun Cannon” is now a popular radio show host in Louisiana. Hebert claims to be the father of “Who Dat Nation,” saying he started the saying after New Orleans beat the Cowboys in Dallas a few years ago.
—Notable sightings: Jerry West, who lives at the Greenbrier, was on hand Thursday watching practice. Golf pro and Greenbrier resident Bubba Watson has been a regular at practice. West Virginia native Mike Florio, who founded ProFootballTalk.com and contributes to NBC sports is here for two days. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King was here last Sunday. Former NFL GM Bill Polian, who now works for ESPN, was here Tuesday.
—It’s no wonder Saints quarterback Drew Brees is a fan favorite, and not just because of his success on the field. After every practice, Brees meets with the fans and signs autographs. He’s always one of the last players to leave the signing scrum.
—Saints officials say they are thrilled not only with the facilities at the Greenbrier, but also the weather. Players and coaches have enjoyed cool mornings and moderate afternoons with low humidity in the Greenbrier Valley. Meanwhile, in New Orleans temperatures have been in the 90s with sweltering humidity.
—Crowds for practices have been steady. Each session has drawn several hundred fans. A much bigger crowd is expected Saturday for the officiated scrimmage starting at 8:50 a.m. Saints owner Tom Benson has been at every practice and has personally thanked fans for coming out.
—Training camp at the Greenbrier is somewhat of a homecoming for Saints kicker Shayne Graham. He’s from Dublin, Va., which is about 90 minutes away. Mountaineers fans will remember Graham from the 1999 game against Virginia Tech in Morgantown when the former Hokie kicked the winning 44-yard field goal as time expired.
—If you’re planning on coming to a Saints practice, remember that parking is at the state fairgrounds in Fairlea about 10 miles away. Shuttle buses then take fans to the practice facility, and $5 dollars per fan covers the bus ride and admission to practice.