Benson in April was a fixture at an NBA BOG meeting, Pelicans playoff games and NFL Draft preparationsNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Saints and Pelicans Owner GAYLE BENSON is currently in the "middle of a crazy three-week stretch hopscotching the country in support of her various sports interests," according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Benson since mid-April has attended an NBA BOG meeting, the Pelicans-Trail Blazers first-round playoff series, NFL Draft preparations in New Orleans, Games 1 and 2 of the Pelicans-Warriors second-round playoff series and visited vineyards in Napa. She also has plans to attend the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. That is "four cross-country flights and about 12,500 air miles" for Benson. Saints and Pelicans Senior VP/Communications GREG BENSEL said, "She's been logging a lot of miles." Duncan notes Benson's horse Lone Sailor will "break from the No. 8 post" on Saturday. The Kentucky Derby is "sandwiched between Games 3 and 4" of Warriors-Pelicans in New Orleans, "creating a hectic weekend itinerary for Benson and team executives." While Benson and team execs attend Warriors-Pelicans Game 3 on Friday night, Bensel, along with Saints Exec VP & GM MICKEY LOOMIS and coach SEAN PAYTON, will "host a party for 150 VIPs and dignitaries from the horse industry at the Benson horse farm" in Paris, Ky. Benson and both groups of execs "will then travel to Louisville on Saturday to attend the Kentucky Derby." About 50 Saints and Pelicans staff members, their spouses and family are "expected to attend the race." The entire group will be "decked out in Lone Sailor baseball hats and ties" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 5/2).
