AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHeat strokes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While waiting for today’s practice to get going in earnest, I wanted to offer a few pointers for those thinking of attending training sessions out here before they close to the public at an undetermined date. (It’s at coach Jim Mora’s discretion when that will be.)
If you can’t stand the heat, stay away from Flowery Branch. The Heat index is at 99 degrees currently according to Weather.com. It’s so withering that even the air horns coaches blow between drills sound flatulent. Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis had some salty things to say regarding the climate, and how it’s hot in Carolina (where the Falcons launch their season) too.
If you come, realize there’s not much refuge from the sun; and it’s furthest away from the action. Canopied grandstands are situated atop a hill overlooking the practice fields. And today they’re filled to capacity. Everyone else is braving the sun on the grassy hillside beneath.
No official count is being taken, but this looks to be the second largest crowd of the week in spite of the heat. Several radio stations have remote broadcasts going on, and local sportscasters have been trickling in or out all week. The AJC is the only media outlet with multiple representatives here daily.
There’s another canopied grandstand closer to the field, but it’s reserved for the hottie wives and girlfriends of the players and select VIPs. Families are out here in droves and parking across the street from the training complex fills up early.
There’s a slew of mock football activities for the kids, and of course a sizeable merchandise kiosk where sales of Mick Vick jerseys only appear to be rivaled by hand-over-fist sales of frozen lemonade. You’re allowed to bring your own refreshments.
Gotta do the 100 yard dash back onto the field now to see if there’s any action worth noting. Mike Vick has yet to grace the field. P.S. Be sure to read Saturday’s AJC for complete preview coverage of the “Midtown Touchdown” at Piedmont Park.
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