The Giants Friday announced that they "will not hold training camp at the University of Albany, their summer base since 1996, because of logistical problems related to the NFL lockout," according to Greg Logan of NEWSDAY. The Giants instead will hold training camp "at their permanent training facility right next to New Meadowlands Stadium." Even if a new CBA is reached "within the next week," the team said that there is "not enough time to transport equipment, weights, medical supplies and other team necessities to Albany." Coach Tom Coughlin "also believes practice time will be more efficient at the Giants' home base because players have not had the benefit of organized team activities during the offseason and because the front office must move quickly to sign its own free agents, explore the market to bring in new players and sign undrafted college players." Giants President & CEO John Mara in a statement said the team has "every intention" of returning to Albany next year (NEWSDAY, 7/9). A Giants spokesperson said that practices at the team's facility "will be open to fans, though the plan for those logistics has not yet been finalized" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/9). In N.Y., Ralph Vacchiano noted the Giants "signed a three-year deal with the University at Albany before the 2010 season that included separate options for 2011 and 2012, and as recently as a few days ago they were hopeful of using the option for this year," with training camp scheduled to start on July 30. The Giants are the "third team to cancel their plans to go away for training camp, joining the Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, who had already decided to train at their own local facilities." More teams "are expected to follow, especially if the lockout extends through next week" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/9).
