The Los Angeles Rams are set to transition to their new practice facility in Woodland Hills next week.
Originally scheduled for completion in early August, the project faced delays, forcing the team to continue training at California Lutheran University for the past three weeks.
If all goes as planned, the Rams will finally move into their upgraded complex.
Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the timeline but expressed hope that the new facility will be ready soon.
“We’ve been here before, so I wouldn’t rule anything out,” coach Sean McVay told the Associated Press after practice on Tuesday. “I have no idea. If Woodland Hills is ready to roll, then this will be the last day. If not, then we’ll be back here. I’ve sat here before and said, ‘Hey, it was great being here,’ and here we are again here.”
The Thousand Oaks location has served as the Rams' home since their return to Los Angeles in 2016. While the college facility was intended as a temporary solution, it has often felt inadequate, especially for a team that won the Super Bowl in 2021.
Players have shared their mixed feelings about the facility. Despite its shortcomings, the Rams have found success, making the playoffs in five of the last seven seasons. However, the team is eager for the move, which promises better equipment and more space.
In particular, linebacker Troy Reeder recalled his first time at the unsightly complex when he arrived as an undrafted rookie in 2019.
“It’s funny because most of the guys did their research before, and there was like, ‘Wow, this is where we’re training? Like, where is everything?’” Reeder said . “You know, it’s not much to look at, but it didn’t take long to become home.”
Before settling into their new digs, the Rams are focused on preparing for a joint practice with the Houston Texans and their preseason finale.
The team will need to acclimate to the heat of Houston, which is expected to be even more intense than the temperatures in the San Fernando Valley.
“We do a pretty good job of preparing for hydration and different things like that,” Reeder said. “I’d be lying if I said I’d be excited if it was 105 (degrees) versus 95, but to us, we got to get our work in.”
Once they return, the Rams hope to enjoy the benefits of their new facility, which the entire organization is looking forward to.
“I think the excitement of being in a new facility with some new equipment, new stuff and more space will be worth the move,” Reeder said.
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