49ers to leave Santa Clara, sort of?

It has been widely publicized that the San Francisco 49ers are in talks with the City of Santa Clara in regards to a possible stadium relocation to escape the dwelling that once was a football mecca in San Francisco's Candlestick Park. The team is also contemplating purchasing Great America theme park, which is adjacent to the 49ers' current headquarters and practice facility in Santa Clara. But with all these efforts, it seems as if the team could be attempting to actually leave the city - partially.

According to sources within the organization, the 49ers are discussing the possibility of changing the location of their training camp. One of the rumored destinations could be in the Sacramento area.

Though a specific site has not even begun to be thought of, the team would certainly welcome a return to the area. Before setting up shop in Santa Clara in 2003, the 49ers had camp stints in Rocklin and Stockton, respectively. So the feat is completely feasible. Being feasible and being practical are two completely different things, however.

If the 49ers and the City of Santa Clara do come to terms with and build a new stadium, it would give the team a true central location, with every working area in the same vicinity. Convenience would be a given for the entire 49ers' organization. But there is a valid argument to be had for the moving of training camps and practices. The team cited their time in Rocklin as being ideal for the players during times of practice, due to the lack of off-field distractions and the boot-camp like vibe it provided. So basically, the risk of a 49ers' player doing his best Adam "PacMan" Jones impersonation would go way down.

In the Bay Area however, the potential for trouble is always a concern. No one is suggesting that such things occur, but the thought of a more professional approach to training camp is appealing. Considering the 49ers' last playoff appearance came in the 2002-'03 season - just months prior to the moving of team headquarters into Santa Clara from the University of The Pacific in Stockon - it gives you food for thought.

One major reason for the team not moving however, is the same as it would be for any business - money. While the team may be exploring its options, part of that analysis is deciding whether or not a move is worth relocating everything from football equipment to computer networks. If a move was made, the team would assume or even know that the profits made in the new location from fans and other resources would be worth the hassle.

At this point however, it is all just a rumor. When contacted, a 49ers' representitive responded as saying "We do not know of any future plans in regards to the 49ers moving training camp".