The Los Angeles Rams took over The Bluff during the summer to host their annual training camp.
Mia Rivers, interim photo editor; Rachel Kelly, asst. design editor
The Los Angeles Rams made LMU home for their annual training camp for the second summer in a row. The Bluff turned into a Rams’ fan zone equipped with face painting, merch tents, practice drills and an opportunity to watch star players such as Davante Adams take the field.
While the training camp was a spectacle to attend, blood, sweat and tears were put in behind the scenes by LMU staff. Trevor Wiseman, LMU’s vice president of operations, shared in an email to the Loyolan that it is “about six months [of] planning and preparing for the Rams’ arrival.”
From housing and security required for the Rams’ players to organizers, event staff and food vendors for attendees, it was an all-hands-on-deck mentality for LMU staff. “University operations and teams across our campus work closely on many events. We have become a well-oiled machine,” stated Wiseman.
While a lot of responsibility falls on campus staff, it also requires collaboration and coordination with the Rams’ team. What do the players need throughout the day? How will their sleeping quarters be arranged? Where will security be stationed? These are all obstacles that both teams work together to solve.
“We also have a great, collaborative relationship with the Rams’ planning team and meet regularly to ensure alignment and that we are prepared to welcome them and more than 15,000 fans,” stated Wiseman.
One of the most critical aspects the discussion between LMU and the Rams was the “refueling aspect,” according to Wiseman. “LMU’s new dining partner, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, worked closely with the Rams to create a highly curated menu,” he continued.
While this is only LMU’s second year hosting the Rams’ Training Camp, the University has a long-standing partnership with the team and hopes to continue the tradition next summer. To achieve this, it is essential to apply feedback gained from previous experiences and continue building on the success each year.
“After every major event, we debrief and create after-action reports. University Events is committed to learning and improving our operations to best support our students. Faculty, staff, and external clients,” stated Wiseman.
One major piece of feedback Wiseman and the LMU team received after the first year was the lack of parking accessibility.
In response, LMU staff implemented changes to the parking strategy. According to Wiseman, “we reworked parking to provide more spaces and options for the LMU community … We also improved the turnover process through shortening the schedule to get the building back online as quickly as possible.”
While LMU doesn’t have a football team of its own, the facilities, views, and privacy make The Bluff a perfect setting for the Rams to practice.
“We have amazing facilities and one of the best soccer pitches in the country, thanks to our amazing grounds teams. We also can offer professional-level accommodations and services for the players and coaches. They can move around our campus with a level of comfort and privacy … We have a team of professionals who take pride in providing the best experience possible,” stated Wiseman.
Although preparing LMU’s dorms to house one of the NFL’s star teams was a challenge, the real obstacle was prepping for student arrivals following the conclusion of the Rams’ stay, as move-in would occur just a few weeks later.
For the duration of training camp, Rams players stayed in the Palm South apartments — a residence hall occupied during the school year by upperclassmen.
Mia Rivers, interim photo editor; Rachel Kelly, asst. design editor
“The biggest challenge is the transition window. We have crews working tirelessly before, during and then after camp concludes to ensure our residential facilities and classrooms are ready to welcome our students back to campus,” Wiseman explained.
For Wiseman, it is exciting for the University to successfully host an event of this stature year after year and continue to grow its relationship with the Rams’ players and staff.
“Not only is it an opportunity to host a world-class team in the Rams, but it’s a great opportunity to let the LMU campus shine and come together for a few weeks each summer to welcome the community,” added Wiseman.