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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Seahawks test out new practice facility

Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. – No, Seahawks owner Paul Allen did not arrange for the seaplane and bald eagle to fly over Seattle’s practice.

The soaring symbols in the sky only added to the festive atmosphere Wednesday as the Seahawks christened their palatial new practice facility on the shore of Lake Washington, south of Seattle.

“It’s all good. And I hope the players know that as nice as everything is, that’s not going to win us many games,” Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said. “We have the best facility in football now and I want them to enjoy it. It’s very player friendly, but then we can’t get too caught up in that. We still have a lot of hard work to do.”

A permanent move from their 22-year-old facility about 12 miles away in suburban Kirkland won’t take place until Aug. 18. But for one blue sky morning, the players were treated to a sneak preview of the amenities they’ll enjoy full time in less than two weeks.

The new facility features three outdoor grass fields and a three-story, 88,000-square-foot indoor practice area that dominates the horizon as motorists drive on nearby Interstate 405. The weight room has roll-up garage doors that open toward the outdoor practice fields andan expansive locker room that doesn’t have lockers jamming up the middle. The current locker room is 1,140 square feet; the new one, 6,700.

“We might even get to walk through the whole thing,” cornerback Marcus Trufant said. “I can’t wait to look all through it.”

Construction of the 225,000-square-foot facility – including 124,000 square feet of administrative and training space – started during fall 2006. The team had hoped to have it ready for the start of training camp this summer – offering opportunities for fans to come watch practices.

Instead, the Seahawks will move in at the end of camp, and the fans are being held off until next year. A handful of VIPs attended Wednesday’s practice before a lunchtime ceremony beneath a giant “12th Man” flag near the lake.

“It’s probably the nicest facility I’ve ever been in,” quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. “Everything about it was kind of fun and exciting.”