Construction of a new football practice field at Millsaps College will allow the New Orleans Saints to open every training camp practice to fans this year, a team spokesman said Tuesday.
Last year, a dozen practices were closed to the public and another dozen were open only for "limited viewing," because the auxiliary practice field would not accommodate fans.
A new field will have bleachers and a grassy hillside where fans can sit and watch quarterback Drew Brees and running backs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush prepare for the 2007 season.
"I'm glad we're going to be back in Jackson for training camp," McAllister said. "The changes made to Millsaps are just minor from what I understand. There wasn't much that was needed to be done because it was a great experience. The players and coaches figured all along that we'd be back."
Training camp for the National Football League team opens July 27 at 8:50 a.m. There will be another practice that afternoon, at 2:20. Seven consecutive days of two-a-day workouts are scheduled leading up to the Saints' first exhibition game, Aug. 5 against Pittsburgh in the Hall of Fame game at Canton, Ohio.
Area fans can check out all Saints' practices at Millsaps - The Clarion-Ledger