re: Pelicans Practice Facility (Photos)

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benson's face

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"I may be biased, but I think is the best."

The words of New Orleans Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps at Tuesday's preview of the brand new 50,000 square foot training facility of the NBA team, located at the Saints facility in Metairie.

Of course, that is now the Saints and Pelicans facility.

The new facility includes two courts, seating for observers, offices, a training room, a theater with raised seating and a big screen, an autograph room, lockers for current players replete with sofas and monitors, lockers for those who are trying out or transient, a weight room, offices, hot tubs, cold tubs, a sauna, a fully stocked kitchen and much more. The offices include glass windows to the parking lot and to the courts, allowing rooms with a view for executives and coaches.

While I have not had the privilege of seeing many other NBA training facilities (just two), there is little doubt that the Pelicans enjoy perhaps the best situation of any NBA team.

First, there is the obvious--a brand new training facility with practice courts with facilities that are second to none. Then, there is the cafeteria that the Pelicans share with the New Orleans Saints, a training table, if you will. The unique nature of blending an NFL team and an NBA team into one campus is a definite advantage, a recruiting tool. So is the facility. The food is exceptional.

...The smile on the face of Demps was persistent throughout the tour he conducted for the media Wednesday, like a kid with the cherished new toy he desired. Smiles were evident on the faces of Benson, Rita Benson LeBlanc, Dennis Lauscha and Mickey Loomis as well. Here is hoping that all are smiling by the end of the 2013-2014 season.

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