LA Rams Reach 2-Year Deal To Train At Cal Lutheran In Thousand Oaks

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Rams are coming to town.

The team announced Wednesday they signed a deal to train at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks for at least two years.

"We are excited to partner with Cal Lutheran to use their exceptional campus as the temporary home for team facilities that will be outstanding for our players and football staff," said Kevin Demoff, the Rams' chief operating officer and executive vice president, in a statement. "The Rams look forward to becoming an integral part of the Cal Lutheran and Thousand Oaks communities as we establish our roots in Southern California."

LA's returning NFL team will pay for and put in two practice fields, a paved parking lot and temporary modular buildings containing offices, training areas and locker rooms on the northwest corner of the campus, according to university officials.

The Cal Lutheran facility is expected to be the home base for about 130 athletes, coaches, trainers and other staffers from September through January, starting this year, and off-season activities from March through July starting in 2017.

Cal Lutheran hosted the Dallas Cowboys' training camp from 1963 to 1989. It has also been the training home of the U.S. Olympic men's water polo teams, USA Team Handball, Los Angeles Lightning basketball and the Conejo Oaks collegiate summer baseball team.

The team previously signed an agreement with the city of Oxnard to conduct its spring practices this year at city-owned River Ridge Fields while it searched for a training camp location.

Cal Lutheran officials say they believe the region stands to benefit economically as Rams players, coaches and other employees shop, dine and buy homes in the area.

"We are thrilled to be a part of the return of the Rams and NFL football to Los Angeles," Cal Lutheran President Chris Kimball said in a statement. "The Rams are investing in a major remaining part of our plans for the north campus and providing internships in a variety of fields to our students. It will be a great partnership."