NFL Lockout Watch, Day 130: Training Camp Sites Still Holding Out Hope

The Cowboys are “hopeful they can hold at least part of training camp at the Alamodome,” according to a source cited by Tom Orsborn of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. The Cowboys booked the Alamodome for July 25-Aug. 13, but “plans to hold the entire camp during that period in San Antonio are no longer feasible because of the lengthy NFL lockout.” Cowboys VP/PR & Communications Rich Dalrymple in an e-mail said, “We are in the process of looking at all of the options and putting a plan together that is good for the team and our fans.” San Antonio Dir of Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Mike Sawaya in an e-mail said that the Alamodome “is prepared to host the team well into August.” Another event “isn't planned for the building until Aug. 24.” Sawaya: “As soon as details are finalized, we will be ready to go.” Orsborn notes the Cowboys are in “the fifth and final year of a rent-free contract with the Alamodome, which has a strong relationship with the club” (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 7/19).

ON-TIME ARRIVAL? In K.C., Adam Teicher reports Missouri Western Univ. officials “are planning for an on-time Chiefs arrival … despite the continuing NFL labor uncertainty that threatens to at least delay next week’s scheduled start to training camp.” MWU interim AD Dan Nicoson said, “The Chiefs have been very positive about wanting to have camp at Western again this year. If it’s at all possible, that’s what the plan will be.” Teicher notes “no matter when camp begins, the Chiefs would have to vacate Missouri Western by Aug. 18, the day before” the scheduled Chiefs-Ravens preseason game. Should camp “overlap with the first day of school for Missouri Western students, the conclusion of camp might take place at the team’s facilities” in K.C. (K.C. STAR, 7/19).

DELAY OF GAME: In Minneapolis, Judd Zulgad notes the Vikings and Minnesota State Univ.-Mankato “have delayed the decision on whether the team will hold training camp in Mankato this summer.” The Vikings had set yesterday as the “deadline to inform the school whether they would return for a 46th year in Mankato or pull the plug because of the lockout,” but the “progress made on the CBA caused that decision to be pushed back.” Vikings coach Leslie Frazier in June said that “if the lockout ended in a timely fashion the team would report to camp July 31” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/19).