The Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center are "in line for some significant upgrades," according to Terrance Harris of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. It is "just a matter of some final details being worked out." The Saints, along with the Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District and SMG are "combining to cover the cost of the upgrades, which was discussed" during yesterday's monthly LSED Board meeting. New scoreboards, video boards and a "state of the art HD room that will service both venues will be major part of the fan experience improvements." SMG, which manages both facilities, is "set to go ahead with Trahan Architects designing the projects," however, no contracts "will be signed for the work until all of the money is in hand." The wait now is for the Saints to "finalize their contribution." SMG Exec VP/Stadiums & Arenas Doug Thornton and Saints President Dennis Lauscha have been "spearheading the talks and are said to be close to an agreement." If the funding "comes together soon," Pelicans fans will "see the improvements" in the Smoothie King Center for the '15-16 season, while Superdome upgrades are targeted for the '16 NFL season (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 2/26).
