"NFL Owners Approve $20M for Superdome"-Jacob White Volume 8, Issue 38,Page 3

The National Football League (NFL) has conditionally approved $20 million for the renovation of the Louisiana Superdome. The vote, which was unanimous, was very important in helping the Saints actually stay in New Orleans. There are still some issues to be resolved, however. The biggest issue is the negotiation with the state of Louisiana, as the Superdome is owned by the state. This problem must be resolved before the transaction can be completed.
The important thing is that the Saints do, in fact, want to rebuild and stay in New Orleans. This comes after many suspected owner Tom Benson to want to move his team to San Antonio permanently. Dennis Lauscha, the Saints’ chief financial officer, explained that the Saints are committed and building. He also said that the renovation money is excellent in terms of getting the building process moving. Hope still remains for a full season to be played in the Superdome this year.
The take from the NFL is a little different, however. Roger Goddell, NFL chief operating officer, says that the league expects the Saints to be in New Orleans next year, but also realizes that every day with no formal funding deal with the state of Louisiana means that it is less likely that a full season will be played next year. The Saints “home” games were played in the Alamodome and LSU’s stadium, but attendance was very poor.
I think the money for the renovation is a great step for the city of New Orleans. I also think that a funding plan with the state of Louisiana is very important. The Saints need to stay in the Superdome not only for the team to have a real home arena and a solid fan base, but for the city as well. This city has already been through enough, the last thing they need is to lose their beloved Saints, regardless of how poor the team has played in the past five years.