by Brandyn Campbell

Training camp will be set against a different backdrop this year when it is held in Philadelphia for the first time since 1943.

For the first time since 1943, when it was held at St. Joe’s University, the Philadelphia Eagles will hold their training camp in the city.  As is the case with 20 other teams in the NFL, the Birds have decided to remain at their facilities at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, the team announced on Friday.  Camp will feature a series of free, public practices at Lincoln Financial Field as well as private practices held at the NovaCare.

While the campus environment added to the fun, family feel at Lehigh, having camp held with easy access to the Broad Street Line will make the experience more accessible for many Eagles fans.  And for some, simply more convenient.

While the Eagles organization enjoyed its time and relationship with Lehigh University, per the team’s release about the decision,

“efficient access to all the facilities at the NovaCare Complex –  from the training room which is equipped with everything from a hydrotherapy pool and access to an MRI machine, weight rooms with state of the art equipment, an indoor practice venue, video and computer equipment that utilizes network infrastructure –  has become a necessity for the team.”

According to a report on 6ABC, the news came as a complete surprise to businesses near Lehigh University, where camp has been held for the past 17 years.  The change of location will impact their businesses but Eagles president Don Smolenski indicated that the team hopes to find ways to continue working with the community in Bethlehem.

“The Eagles and Lehigh University recognize that their long standing relationship is changing but not ending, and both parties have expressed a desire to explore community programs in the future.”

A schedule of the sessions open to the public will be released in the spring, with Smolenski indicating that the fan experience and interaction with the team offered at camp is a priority for the team.  The Birds will look to provide similar experiences at the Linc.

Will you be more or less likely to head to the South Philly version Eagles training camp this summer?

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Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports