The Saints Home Away From the Dome
Every year, as July gives way to August, there’s a certain feeling that creeps into the air. The back-to-school ads start popping up, the summer days grow shorter, and the relentless heat settles in for one final push. It can only mean one thing—football is almost back. Across the country, all 32 NFL teams begin reporting to training camp in the final days of July, marking the true start of the season grind. For some franchises, that means staying local and using their in-house facilities. For others, it means hitting the road to secluded training grounds, away from distractions, to prepare for battle in the sweltering dog days of summer.
Since 2017, the New Orleans Saints have held their training camp at home, utilizing the state-of-the-art Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie. But throughout their 57-year history, the Saints have become one of the NFL’s most well-traveled teams when it comes to training camp destinations. They’ve trained at 10 different locations across the country, including far-flung stops like San Diego and La Crosse, Wisconsin as well as southern sites like Vero Beach, Florida; Thibodaux and Jackson, and Hattiesburg.. From 2014 to 2016, the team even retreated to the scenic hills of the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia before ultimately returning to their headquarters and business offices on Airline Drive.
The complex originally opened in 1996 as the year-round headquarters for the Saints. Over the years, it has hosted Saints training camp during multiple stretches—first from 2003 to 2005, then again from 2010 to 2013, and continuously since 2017. In 2013, the facility also became the official training home of the New Orleans Pelicans. Following a partnership with the New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System, the complex was renamed the Ochsner Sports Performance Center, reflecting its role as a premier training hub for both of the city’s professional franchises.
In 2025 the Saints will hold nine practices open to the public, between July 23 and August 5. Each practice will begin at 9:15a.m. with two practices (July 24, Aug 2) scheduled to start at 10:15a.m.
Food and Beverage 3
Just past the entrance gates, a single concessions tent greets visitors with a surprisingly affordable menu—especially for an NFL venue. Most items range from $2 to $6, with classic stadium staples like hamburgers, hot dogs, jumbo pretzels, and chips on offer. Adding a taste of local flavor, the tent also serves up a hearty bowl of jambalaya for $6—a must-try when in Louisiana.
If you arrive early, you’re in luck. Gates for 2025 Saints Training Camp open at 8 a.m., and breakfast is on the menu. Fans can grab bacon, sausage, or chicken biscuits for $5, or opt for a muffin at just $3.
On the beverage front, Coca-Cola is the Saints’ official soft drink partner, with bottled Coke products available for just $2—cheaper than many gas stations. Bottled water and Gatorade are $3 each, and there’s fresh coffee to help you beat the morning grogginess, also priced at $3. Beer drinkers can choose between Bud Light and Miller Lite, and in true Louisiana hospitality, Raising Cane’s is on-site offering fans free lemonade.
Keep in mind, Saints practices typically last just about an hour, so while the food options are tempting, there’s no need to go overboard. This may be New Orleans, but the Performance Center isn’t the kind of place where you’ll need to splurge on a full meal.
Atmosphere 4
The Ochsner Sports Performance Center serves as the official headquarters for both the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. Originally opened in 1996 with the relocation of the Saints’ administrative offices and the construction of an outdoor practice field, the facility has since evolved into a state-of-the-art 19-acre campus. Today, it features a 77,504-square-foot multipurpose center housing team locker rooms, a physical therapy and treatment wing, an on-site doctor’s office, media production studio, franchise museum, and all operations and administrative offices.
The crown jewel of the complex is the 75,000-square-foot indoor practice facility, which towers 78 feet high and includes a full-length football field, full-service cafeteria, and training gym. While it plays a crucial role in year-round preparation for both franchises, the indoor facility is not open to the public.
Just outside the indoor facility sit two full-length outdoor football fields, where the majority of Saints training camp practices take place. Oriented east to west, the fields are framed by the towering indoor facility to the south, which serves as a dramatic backdrop for fans seated in the north sideline bleachers. Additional bleacher seating is also available behind the west end zone, offering multiple vantage points to catch the action.
Due to the intense Louisiana heat, players typically begin practice indoors from 9 to 10 a.m.—giving fans the first hour to explore the grounds. Adjacent to the concessions tent, you’ll find a merchandise stand offering Saints gear at prices lower than what you’d see on game day. Nearby, both the Saints and Pelicans have promotional booths set up, where ticket representatives are actively engaging fans with special offers and flex plan deals.
Seating is first come, first served, so if you’re aiming for a front-row spot, plan to arrive early. Around 10 a.m., players begin to trickle onto the outdoor fields, starting with stretches before breaking into position groups for drills. It can be a bit disorienting at first—players scatter across both fields based on their positions, and the layout doesn’t always offer ideal sightlines. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the quarterbacks, for example, they might be working on the far side of the field.
While practice only lasts about an hour, one of the highlights is how close fans can get to the action. No matter where you sit, you’re almost guaranteed to be just a few feet away from some of the players. On a recent visit, the offensive line, running backs, and special teams units were working just 15 feet from the stands. After practice, many players head straight to the bleachers to sign autographs. It’s a great opportunity for fans—though keep in mind, the players who stop by change daily, so there’s no telling exactly who you’ll meet.
Neighborhood 3
Located about 15 to 20 minutes from the Caesars Superdome, the Ochsner Sports Performance Center sits in the bustling suburb of Metairie, not far from the New Orleans airport. While the immediate area surrounding the facility is relatively quiet and commercial, Metairie itself offers plenty to explore. With a population of roughly 150,000, the suburb features the usual mix of shopping centers, chain restaurants, and residential neighborhoods—including some of the wealthiest in the New Orleans metro. Many Saints and Pelicans players call Metairie home.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy. Metairie is home to over 40 parks, including the sprawling Lafreniere Park—perfect for a morning walk before practice. For something more adventurous, a scenic bike trail runs from the airport area all the way along Lake Pontchartrain into the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River. It’s a longer route, so plan for a couple of hours if you want to complete it.
While chain restaurants dominate the local food scene, one standout near Airline Drive is Dennis’ Seafood. This no-frills spot serves up all the classic Cajun fare you’d expect—from crawfish to po’boys. But what truly makes it unique is “Neuty,” the resident nutria rat rescued by the owner. Neuty lives out back and has become a local legend. After the state tried to remove him, over 20,000 residents signed a petition to let him stay. Often misunderstood, nutria are closer in appearance and behavior to beavers or otters than rats—and Neuty has become something of a mascot for the area.
Of course, attending Saints training camp also puts you within arm’s reach of one of the world’s most iconic cities—New Orleans. Just 20 minutes away, the Crescent City is bursting with history, music, food, and culture. Summer months like July and August tend to be slower for tourism due to the heat, making it a great time for shorter lines, easier restaurant reservations, and cheaper parking and hotel deals. If you’ve never experienced New Orleans before, it’s the perfect opportunity to take in a morning practice and spend your afternoon exploring one of America’s most unforgettable cities.
Fans 4
The New Orleans Saints boast one of the most passionate and resilient fan bases in the NFL—loud, loyal, and unwavering through every high and low. These fans have endured it all: from the infamous “Ain’ts” era, when paper bags became a symbol of frustration, to the infamous 1999 draft when Mike Ditka mortgaged the team’s future to acquire Ricky Williams. And, of course, they’ll never forget August 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina left the Saints without a home and the city reeling.
Yet through every setback, this devoted community has remained fiercely committed to the black and gold. Season tickets come with a years-long waitlist, and single-game tickets are often scarce or come at a premium. The once-frequent whispers of relocation have long since been silenced, especially after the transformative Sean Payton and Drew Brees era brought sustained success and a Super Bowl title. Today, Saints fans don’t just support their team—they embody its soul.
Tickets are free for practices, but people will snatch the tickets up, and training camp tickets often sell out the day they go on sale – that is how much in demand it is just to watch the Saints practice. Fans are into practice and are very knowledgeable about the players, so when a big player makes a big catch the crowd will cheer. People on the Gulf Coast love their Saints, and I would say 95% of the people there were in some sort of Saints gear.
Access 3
The Ochsner Sports Performance Center is located on Airline Drive, the main thoroughfare connecting downtown New Orleans to Louis Armstrong International Airport. If you’re coming from the city, be prepared for a few red lights along the way. A quicker route is to take I-10 west and exit at Clearview Parkway (Exit 226). Head south for about two miles until you reach Airline Drive, then turn right and continue west for about a mile—the facility will be on your left. While Airline Drive is a busy stretch, the practice fields are tucked behind a line of trees, making them difficult to see from the road. The only visible landmark is the towering indoor facility, easily spotted by the large ‘Saints’ logo emblazoned on its exterior.
Most training camp sessions take place on weekend mornings, so traffic on the interstate is typically light. However, it’s important to note that there is no on-site parking at the Performance Center. Instead, fans are directed to park at the nearby Gold Mine on Airline—formerly Zephyr Field, home of the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs and now the NOLA Gold Major League Rugby team. The stadium lot offers ample parking, and shuttle buses run frequently between the lot and the practice facility. Roughly 15 buses operate during each session, dropping fans off right at the main entrance to the practice fields.
Return on Investment 4
With free tickets, free parking, and the chance to get up close to some of the NFL’s top talent, attending Saints training camp offers an excellent return on investment. Unlike most major sporting events, there’s no need to battle heavy traffic or pay for expensive parking—and since practices last only about an hour, you won’t be sacrificing your entire day. In fact, you can be back home by lunchtime. If you’re a football fan living anywhere along the Gulf Coast, making it out to at least one practice each year is well worth the trip.
Extras 3
The crowning moment in New Orleans Saints history came on February 7, 2010, when the team captured its first and only Super Bowl title with a victory in Super Bowl XLIV. To commemorate that iconic achievement, a massive LED sign reading “Super Bowl XLIV Champions” was installed on the side of the Saints’ indoor practice facility. As you drive along Airline Drive, it’s the most prominent feature you’ll see—the towering structure proudly labeled “Home of the New Orleans Saints,” with the Super Bowl logo displayed just beneath it.
Directly below the championship sign is a small but meaningful tribute: a black umbrella icon with the initials “TB.” This nod honors longtime Saints owner Tom Benson, who passed away in 2018. Known for his joyful postgame celebrations—dancing with his signature umbrella as a jazz band played “When the Saints Go Marching In”—Benson’s spirit and leadership remain deeply woven into the fabric of the franchise. His legacy is forever etched into Saints history.
The Ochsner Sports Performance Center holds the unique distinction of being the only training facility in the country that serves as the home base for both an NFL and an NBA team. In 2012, longtime Saints owner Tom Benson purchased the New Orleans Hornets and rebranded them as the Pelicans. As part of the team’s transformation, Benson moved the Pelicans’ operations to the Saints’ Metairie headquarters. In 2013, the facility underwent a $10 million expansion, adding a 45,000-square-foot wing complete with two full-size basketball courts and administrative offices for the Pelicans. It’s not uncommon to spot Pelicans players on-site or even dropping by Saints training camp practices.
What truly sets Saints training camp apart, though, is the unparalleled access it offers fans. Unlike game days, where players are distant and interaction is limited, training camp provides a rare opportunity to get up close with your favorite NFL stars. The Saints organization goes above and beyond in fan engagement, offering multiple open practices each year and creating an accessible, welcoming atmosphere. That level of connection may be one of the reasons Saints tickets remain some of the most coveted in the league.
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