Facility Notes

In New Orleans, Bruce Eggler reports Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco’s office on Thursday gave the Saints “final details of the state’s proposal for a new financial deal with the team.” Saints Dir of Media & PR Greg Bensel said there is “a considerable difference” between the plans presented by Blanco and Saints Owner Tom Benson. But Bensel added the Saints “are prepared to begin immediate discussion with (Blanco’s office) in an effort to reach a long-term agreement.” Bensel noted the Saints “will have nothing further to say publicly” during the discussions (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 1/14).

SUFFOLK DOWNS: In Boston, Steve Bailey reports N.Y.-based Vornado Realty Trust CEO Steven Roth “has launched a tender offer seeking to buy the shares of Suffolk Downs’s constantly warring stockholders.” Boston Culinary Group Founder & Chair Joe O’Donnell, the “track’s largest shareholder, is heading a group that has offered to match Vornado’s offering of $300,000 a unit” (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/14).

FIRST MARINER ARENA: The Baltimore SUN reports U.S. District Judge Andre Davis dismissed an equal-protection claim that sought to block the installation of billboards on 1st Mariner Arena, meaning that “if Baltimore property owners who object to the billboards want to continue their lawsuit, they must pursue it in Baltimore Circuit Court.” First Mariner Bancorp Chair & MISL Baltimore Blast Owner Edwin Hale Sr. is seeking permission to install up to 14 billboards, wanting to “create a Times Square effect and defray the costs of owning the team as he shares profits from the billboards with Clear Channel Outdoor” (SUN, 1/14).