04/19/24
February 08, 2020
SportsFilter: The Saturday Huddle:
A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.
Really, if Brady's choice is to leave NE, I could deal with it. Patriots need a rebuild, and Brady's years are numbered. BUT!!! If he were to wind up in Dallas, I would need an emotional support animal. I'm not sure what animal to choose. Any suggestions?
posted by Howard_T at 03:52 PM on February 08, 2020
On a completely different subject, my son and I had a tour of the Red Auerbach Center -- Celtics' training facility -- this afternoon. It's one of my perks for being a season ticket member. Everything is state of the art. The work out area puts most of your commercial gyms to shame. There were white boards with the workout routine for the team and for individual players to follow. There was is a full kitchen and dining facility, complete with a chef who prepares menus customized for the individual player. Sensors have been installed beneath the practice court that can track the force exerted by players when they jump or land, They can also track shots and convert the results into data. The walls are full of motivational sayings, and the theme is "Kaizen", or continuous improvement, as well as self improvement for the benefit of the team. To be able to look behind the curtain, as it were, was quite an experience.
posted by Howard_T at 04:15 PM on February 08, 2020
Howard, do not get a Wuhan pangolin. It would be your last pet.
I like your ticket holder perks. You can say you were there when Romeo manned up.
posted by beaverboard at 05:16 PM on February 08, 2020
That's really cool, Howard. Is this something that any tourist can check out or is it season ticket holders only?
posted by NoMich at 06:01 PM on February 08, 2020
Is this something that any tourist can check out
I really don't know, but I think not. The season ticket member tours are offered only 2 or 3 times per season, and are limited to perhaps 300 or 400 people (in 3 or 4 shifts) per time. They keep the place pretty well secure. As we went through the facility, there were lots of "no pictures here" and "please don't touch things" warnings. The photo limitations were for security (information they didn't want shared in the media) or player privacy. The "don't touch" was for health reasons. No need to introduce the flu or any other strange things into the locker room.
One interesting thing was the media room. It's outfitted with desks,internet connection, snacks and drinks. In short, anything a beat writer would want. The area overlooks the practice court, but when the team is on the court, there are curtains that are closed to keep prying eyes from observing things.
Last year we went to a "State of the Celtics" briefing from the Assistant General Manager, Mike Zarren. This was a look at how prospective draft picks or possible trade or free agent moves are evaluated. Also covered were things like training methods, travel planning, media relations, and a lot of other stuff. The Celtics take care of those who bleed green.
posted by Howard_T at 08:52 PM on February 08, 2020
Vegas is currently trying to establish a line on how many SpoFites would have to join a support group if the Cowboys decided to tag and trade High Dollar Dak and bring in Tom Brady.