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It looks like the New Orleans Saints will hold training camp in Metairie this July, at least based on coach Sean Payton's initial assessments. The Saints have held camp at their practice facility since 2009, but held camp in Oxnard, Calif, for a week in 2011.


The Dallas Cowboys usually hold their training camp in Oxnard, and will be at that site again this year.

The dates for the Saints 2013 training camp haven't been announced yet, but players had to report last summer on July 24. The Saints, who finished minicamp Thursday, plan to hold one more week of OTAs, and then they'll get a break before camp begins.

"When we've traveled, a lot of times, it's been the second or third preseason game. I don't anticipate us doing that," Payton said. "We talked about training camp the same way. Right now, I see this camp being here, and us focusing with our team."

Payton said he spoke briefly with Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen about practicing together, but doesn't see that happening either.

Wide receiver Marques Colston, who has been with the team since Payton's first year in 2006, said it doesn't matter to him where they hold training camp. The Saints held camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. from 2006-08.

"It's still kind of away from everything, everyone's in the hotel," Colston said. "It's the same type of experience. And it gives us a chance to be close to our fans. We enjoy that part of it too.

"No matter where you go, you can't escape the heat."

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton plans to hold training camp in Metairie | NOLA.com

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