After playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Florida in Week 3, the Denver Broncos opted to stay on the East Coast ahead of their game against the New York Jets in Week 4.
The Broncos are staying in West Virginia this week at The Greenbrier, which features a hotel that is said to be haunted as guests have reported hearing voices, seeing shadowy figures, doors opening seemingly by themselves, and more (read on if you so desire).
That hasn’t stopped multiple NFL teams from staying there, including the New Orleans Saints back when they were coached by Sean Payton.
“It’s just how we kind of envisioned it,” Payton said. “It’s logistically — everything fits.”
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The resort has everything a football team needs — multiple practice fields, an indoor facility, meeting rooms, weight rooms, locker rooms — and other activities including bowling, golf and horseback riding. The focus is on football this week.
“I think the accommodations are fantastic,” Payton said. “I think there have been eight teams? We’re not the only team that’s done this with the eastern trip. I think San Francisco… There’s been a number of teams. I think eight professional teams have been here, three training camps probably, maybe four. The others have used it the same way we’ve used it, as a layover if you will, between the next game. … That field is easy to control.
“Of course, the hotel’s here, the food tent, this facility was built really quickly and then it was really about the grass fields, and they did great job. We’ve had joint practices here before with New England. I just think, now they use it a lot. I think the high schools and Marshall, West Virginia, I think it’s used quite a bit.”
If it’s haunted, the players haven’t said so.
“[It’s been] pretty good,” quarterback Bo Nix said of the team’s home away from home. “Got a little change of scenery and have a good week of practice ahead of us. It’s a fun team trip. We’re going to be around each other all week, so it will be good for us.”
After practicing in West Virginia on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the Broncos will travel to New Jersey for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
“It’s treated me well,” star cornerback Pat Surtain said when asked about the resort. “This is my first time being in West Virginia actually, and I didn’t know they had quite the resort like this. I’m enjoying every bit of it. Yesterday we went to a little bar and got some good food. There’s a nice little spa here too, so it’s treating us all well for sure. I’m enjoying it.”
Sounds like the players have no qualms about the arrangements.
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