49ers may move training camp over coronavirus restrictions
The 49ers are exploring outofstate locations to hold their training camp this summer in the event California hasn’t significantly loosened safety restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 49ers are scheduled to open camp in late July at their team facility in Santa Clara, the site of their camp since 2003. However, Santa Clara County’s stayathome order is in place through the end of May and could be extended. California has been among the more cautious states in deal
ing with the global health crisis. Los Angeles County’s stayathome order reportedly will extend through July at a time when other states are notably relaxing restrictions.
The 49ers aren’t close to making a decision, but are examining contingency plans. A trainingcamp practice involves roughly 150 players, coaches and support staff.
The 49ers haven’t said what states are being explored, but Arizona is a logical candidate because of its neighboring locale and more relaxed guidelines.
This week, Gov. Doug Ducey said professional sports can resume operations in Arizona starting Friday, when the state’s stayathome order is set to expire. Phoenix Rising FC of the United Soccer League on Tuesday became the first pro sports team in Arizona to resume training at its team facility.
Asked about potentially holding training camp in another state, defensive lineman Arik Armstead noted the 49ers twice spent 10 days away from home last season when they stayed in Youngstown, Ohio, and Bradenton, Fla., to practice for backtoback road games.
“It would definitely be an adjustment,” Armstead said. “But it’s impossible to prepare for because it’s a big ‘if.’ Nobody really knows what’s going on. … When that time comes, everyone will adjust and plan accordingly.”
Looking beyond training camp, Gov. Gavin Newsom has said the prospect of mass gatherings in California is “negligible at best” until “we get to herd immunity and we get to a vaccine.” That suggests the 49ers and the NFL’s other instate teams, the Rams and Chargers, would play their home games this season without fans.
ProFootballTalk.com, however, noted that the NFL schedule that was released last week makes it possible for the three California teams to play home games in another state if necessary.
The 49ers could play in Arizona at the Cardinals’ home, University of Phoenix Stadium, because the two teams are not scheduled to have home games on the same day. The Chargers could play at Allegiant Stadium — the Raiders’ new stadium in Las Vegas — and the Rams could play in Dallas, although both the Chargers and Rams each would need to resolve oneweek schedule overlaps.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy was asked if the league had the 49ers’ schedule align with the Cardinals with the coronavirus in mind.
“We’re preparing to play the 2020 NFL season as scheduled and with increased protocols and safety measures for all players, personnel and attendees,” McCarthy said in a statement. “This includes games at the clubs’ current stadiums. We will be prepared to make adjustments as necessary, as we have during this offseason, demonstrating that we can safely and efficiently conduct key activities, such as free agency, the virtual offseason program and the 2020 NFL Draft.
“We will continue to make decisions based on the latest advice of medical and public health officials, as well as in full compliance with current and future government regulations. Our primary focus will be on protecting the health of our fans, players, club and league personnel and our communities.”