Air Force bases aren't just for military aircraft and personnel.
The Miami Heat are heading to Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida, for their first camp with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3.
The team will practice twice daily at Hurlburt Field’s Aderholt Gymnasium, which is located 650 miles away from the team’s home town of Miami. Part of the reason why they will be going to Okaloosa County is to limit the distractions for the players. With so much star power this season, it will likely turn out to be a good choice to travel a bit to get away from some of the hype – if only for a while.
Another reason for the Heat’s choice is their military ties. Before each home game, the team honors soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, Heat president Pat Riley has prepared parties in past years for soldiers and their families around Christmas time.
Erik Spoelstra, head coach of the Heat, believes it will be a good experience for the newly developed team.
"This is a terrific opportunity for our team," Spoelstra told The Associated Press. "The base will provide the ideal setting for us to focus on basketball and building camaraderie with limited distractions. It also presents us a unique and fantastic opportunity to spend time with the Airmen who defend our freedom. I anticipate our team and each of us individually will benefit tremendously from being around this environment."
