The Dallas Cowboys completed their annual trip to Oxnard, California, on Tuesday, but they will be back next year and for at least another two years after that.
The Cowboys and the City of Oxnard have reached an agreement to continue holding the bulk of the team’s training camp at the Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge location through at least 2025, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Tuesday was the last day the Cowboys trained there this year, but their stay in Southern California is still not over as the team boarded a train and headed south to hold joint practices with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Cowboys will face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium in a preseason exhibition game on Saturday at 9 p.m. CT.
This year was the 16th summer the Cowboys have spent in Oxnard and the 43rd in Southern California.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been vocal in wanting the team to continue holding the majority of training camp in Oxnard. He thanked the city at a ceremony on July 30.
“It’s wonderful to be sitting here, getting this team, getting started on our journey toward our goal of getting in that Super Bowl,” Jones said. “Boy, we appreciate you Oxnard.”
The Cowboys are one of only a handful of teams that leave their home market for training camp, but it has now become a tradition that will likely not change anytime soon.
Players rave about practicing in Oxnard, especially as they get a break from the Texas heat. Summers in Oxnard are comfortable, arid, and clear, with temperatures averaging around 66 degrees for the month of August, according to Weather Spark.
Players also appreciate the chance to set aside distractions from back home and concentrate on football.
“I love coming out here. I really do,” said Cowboys guard Zack Martin. “I think it’s a great way to start the season off — kind of a getaway from all the distractions back in Dallas. And you kinda get to work for a month and then when you get back it’s kinda like it’s go time. Season’s right around the corner. So, I’m very happy about that.”