You asked for it, you got it. Here are some photos taken by Jim Bryant of the Associated Press today at the new Virginia Mason Athletic Center:

This is the indoor field, housed in what looks like a Boeing hangar.

This is the outdoor field with the VMAC behind it.

This is the indoor workout pool for injured players. There is even a treadmill under the water, and there is a place below for the trainer to monitor the player underwater.

This is the locker room giving you the bird.

Today's workout, with Lake Washington in the back.

The afternoon practice offered a strange sight: None of the players were wearing helmets. Instead, most were wearing camoflauge baseball hats with the Seahawks logo on it. All but the offensive lineman, who wore nothing. We were guessing it was because their heads were too big, but there could be another explanation -- something like Walter doesn't like to wear hats.

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Here is a chart comparing the dimensions of the new VMAC compared to the practice facility in Kirkland:

The Seahawks could not have picked a prettier day to hold their first practice at their new practice facility in Renton. A 12th Man flag was flying on the northwest corner of the fields, and an eagle took the time to do a couple passes by the field for effect. (It reminded me of the movie Funny Farm, where they are trying to sell the place and Chevy Chase says, "Cue the deer.") At one point, defensive tackle Craig Terrill walks up to assistant coach John Jamison and says, "This place is crappy. I can't practice here."

The fields were pristine, though I have to say there is far different depth perception than at the facility in Kirkland, where this afternoon's practice will be held. It is way more open and not as many trees, so things look much farther away than they actually are. There were a couple hundred VIPs who got to watch practice, and then Tod Leiweke, Tim Ruskell and Mike Holmgren addressed them afterward in a tent on the lake.

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This was forwarded to me by the PR folks at SIRIUS; it's a transcript of Holmgren's conversation with Adam Schein re: Packers QB Brett Favre.

Host, Adam Schein: “What’s your read on the entire [Favre/Green Bay] situation?”

Mike Holmgren: “I’ve purposely stayed away from commenting and, certainly, picking sides because I know all the principals involved and I like them all and they’re friends of mine. To me, the whole thing, I’m a little saddened by it. I think there are a lot of wonderful stories in the league going on right now and that thing has seemed to dominate, pretty much, the airwaves. I like them both. I understand the Packers’ situation. I understand Brett’s situation. It’s a tough one.”

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Some links to start your day.

Seattle Seahawks

Here’s a feature I wrote on receiver Ben Obomanu, who has played well of late in the battle between young receivers at camp.

Scott Johnson of the Everett Herald talks with Steve Vallos, who will be the team’s starting center heading into Friday’s game against Minnesota.

As always, Mike Sando offers a thorough roster analysis of the Seahawks here.

There’s slim pickings if you’re looking for Seahawks tickets as they sell out in minutes after being released Monday morning.

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