Agent_Bond34 0 Report post Posted July 17, 2003 Credit: CNNSI.com NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The New Orleans Saints are willing to back off on their request for a new stadium, saying they could stay in the Superdome, if it is upgraded, until 2020. The need for a new stadium hasn't gone away, team officials said, but they're willing to give the state time to raise money for that project, which would cost an estimated $450 million in today's dollars. Saints officials met with officials of Gov. Mike Foster's administration Wednesday in Baton Rouge to discuss a new plan that reportedly includes renovations to the dome, a proposed outdoor entertainment district near it for tailgating fans and a pledge that the team will lobby the National Football League to award two more Super Bowls to New Orleans. But no agreement was reached, and both sides told reporters afterwards discussions would continue. "I think you're going to need some renovations to the dome if we don't get a new stadium," said Arnold Fielkow, a Saints vice-president. "This was simply a first meeting," Fielkow said. "We have a lot of work to do." He did not discuss specific issues on the table at Wednesday's meeting. In 2001, the Legislature approved $187 million in concessions and payments to the Saints to keep them in the Dome through 2010. The deal, which includes annual inducements and revenue guarantees starting at $12.5 million this year and increasing to $23.5 million in 2008, was designed to keep the Saints financially competitive in one of the NFL's smallest markets. It is not clear how much the team will seek in revenue guarantees in the new plan. Andy Kopplin, Gov. Foster's chief of staff, has acknowledged that the Saints, who presently have a Superdome lease that expires in 2010, are seeking a deal that would keep the team in the stadium through the 2019 season. But Kopplin warned Wednesday that "our revenue streams are insufficient to meet what was set in place." The Times-Picayune reported Wednesday that new proposals include Superdome renovations with the Saints paying up to $40 million for the construction costs. The work would focus on adding more suites. The plan is a considerably cheaper alternative to a $300 million re-engineering of the Dome proposed last year because it is not intended as a permanent solution to keep the team financially competitive. The Saints want commitments from the state to build a new stadium to be ready for play by 2020. It is unclear how the new stadium would be financed or where it would be. A blue-ribbon committee appointed by Gov. Foster in 2001 to study the issue has not met since January, likely because the new proposal has taken precedence. The Saints complain that the 27-year-old Superdome's design has been outdated by a slew of new, state-of-the-art NFL stadiums. Sixteen new stadiums have been built in NFL markets since 1992, with three more set to open this fall. Saints officials believe a new stadium will enhance the fan experience and address the deficiencies of the Superdome: substandard premium seats, narrow concourses, seats too far from the field and a stale, cramped ambiance. A new facility also would keep New Orleans competitive as a Super Bowl site, they say. The new proposal calls for construction of an entertainment park near the Superdome, paid for by the city and state and modeled after Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. Mayor Ray Nagin mentioned the new park as part of his economic development initiative during his state-of-the-city address in May. It is not clear how much the park would cost or who would pay what share. "A big thing they want to do is create this entertainment park, tailgating park," Nagin said. "And I told them I would help them. The plans look good to me, and I want to support them." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest kkktookmybabyaway Report post Posted July 18, 2003 I don't like domed stadiums. Move Saints. What do you need a dome for anyway -- you're in the Deep South... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Agent_Bond34 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2003 I don't really care for domed stadiums either... However, if there is one thing that I really do NOT like, it's artificial turf. I like the newer stuff better, and natural grass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2003 Its domed because the weather in Louisiana is chaotic as all hell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted July 18, 2003 I understand for non-football related events. But, does it matter for football what the weather is like? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rendclaw 0 Report post Posted July 18, 2003 Nasty storms, tornadoes, possible hurricanes? Not to mention that STIFLING bayou summer/fall heat... most of the stadiums in the south should be domed, IMO... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest the pinjockey Report post Posted July 18, 2003 Just make it a retractable roof. I don't see why more stadiums don't have them. I can't imagine it costs that much more when you are already talking mid-nine figures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest kkktookmybabyaway Report post Posted July 18, 2003 This is football -- you're supposed to play in crappy weather. That's the fun of it all... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
