Redskins eyeing Mason as possible venue for training camp

It appears the Redskins are going to move their training camp from Redskins Park to George Mason in August, according to sources. (Photo from Creative Commons, user Keith Allison)

Last semester, George Mason hosted the Washington Wizards’ training camp, and it appears the Redskins may be following their lead next fall, according to a report from Mike Jones in the Washington Post.

The team has held their annual training camp at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. since 2003, under coach Steve Spurrier, but they began looking for a new location last season. Head coach Mike Shanahan wanted to see a change when he arrived, but the process of finding a new venue began too late, forcing them to remain in Ashburn.

Although sources said the Redskins have already made arrangements to use the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel for the month of August, Redskins senior vice president Tony Wyllie has yet to confirm the report. Wyllie simply responded, "We're exploring our options."

Mason’s Athletic Director, Tom O’Connor, has taken members of the Redskins organization on a tour of the campus to show them the athletic facilities and the Mason Inn. However, he agrees with Wyllie that this is not yet a done deal.

Recently renovated Robinson Field, which is a lighted turf field located next to the RAC, is one possibility for the Redskins. The field currently hosts the club football team and numerous intramural sports. There are several other fields on campus, however, including the soccer field, which is located next to the Field House and can hold 5,000 spectators.

The Redskins held their training camp in Carlisle, Pa. from 1963-94, before moving to Frostburg, Md. from 1995-99. The Ashburn facility was first used in 2000 under coach Marty Schottenheimer, but the team returned to Pa. from 2001-02. Spurrier preferred Redskins Park, where they have been ever since.

Even if the Redskins decide to move camp to Fairfax, there may not even be an NFL season next year. The league is still waiting for a new collective bargaining agreement to be signed between the owners and the players.