Benson Reportedly Planning To Void Superdome Lease

Benson Reportedly Citing Superdome’s Condition In Trying To Void Lease

Saints Owner Tom Benson “plans to void his lease agreement for the [Superdome] by declaring the facility unusable,” which could “pave the way for a possible permanent relocation to San Antonio,” according to sources cited by Tom Orsborn of the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS. But the sources cautioned that Benson “may pursue a plan in which he offers San Antonio only a short-term commitment” through the ’06 season and “after that weigh his prospects in San Antonio against what may be available” in New Orleans. Several San Antonio leaders said that there have been “serious discussions in public and private sectors about financing for Alamodome improvements, state-funding possibilities and what corporation may be most eager to agree to a naming rights deal” (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 10/21).

FIXER UPPER: SMG VP Doug Thornton told the Superdome Commission that the Superdome “could be repaired as early as October 2006, depending on the extent of repairs needed.” In Baton Rouge, Mark Ballard notes if the state “chooses to upgrade the facility, it could take longer to reopen.” Meanwhile, Thornton and Superdome Commission Chair Tim Coulon said that they “had no knowledge of damages” to the Saints’ training facility in Metairie, Louisiana. An attorney for Benson in an October 11 letter claimed damage to the facility “effectively terminated the Saints’ lease” (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 10/21). Thornton also indicated that New Orleans Arena “could open its doors by early spring for the last few Hornets games” (TIMES-PICAYUNE, 10/21).

Blanco Inquires About NFL’s Plans For Saints In ‘06

LEAGUE ASSISTANCE: NFL VP/PR Greg Aiello said that NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has formed the New Orleans Advisory Committee — made up of eight team owners — “to assist him and [Benson] in making decisions about the franchise’s future.” Aiello, on where the Saints will play in ‘06: “The league is looking to make that decision shortly after the season ends, and possibly sooner, depending on developments” (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 10/21).

SCOURING THE CAMPUS: The Saints through Thursday afternoon had sold 52,218 tickets to the October 30 home game against the Dolphins, their first at LSU’s Tiger Stadium (Saints). LSU AD Skip Bertman said of the Saints four games at Tiger Stadium, “We will make money. There will be no cost to us” (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 10/21).