Louisiana says no to stadium demands

By Matt Allen

The New Orleans Saints made out the equivalent of their list to Santa Claus last week. The only request for the NFL team, a new "world class" stadium to be ready by 2006. On Tuesday, the state of Louisiana, acting as Santa Claus denied the Saints request. The Saints received the "no" at lunch Tuesday in the form of a 33-page proposal from Governor Mike Foster to Saints Owner Tom Benson. The proposal stated that the state could provide the Saints with $15 million in new money. However, it stated that a new home for the Saints couldn't be done until well after 2006. NFL sources state that the Saints were not happy with the decision.

Foster's chief of staff, Steve Perry says the governor's office made the decision based on what was "politically doable." Perry said that the decision was not only based on what the Saints wanted, but also what the state legislature could pass. Benson said he wouldn't comment on the specifics of the proposal. "This is the first day we've had to look at the proposal," he said.

While a new stadium is unlikely, Perry said it was not out the question. Foster's proposal sets up a task force to study the issue and report by December 2005. The proposal also calls for the Saints to sign a new 20-year lease agreement. Perry stated that staying in the Louisiana Superdome is the way to go for the Saints.

"Renovating the dome is a better business decision than building a new stadium at this moment in time," said Perry, who was armed with figures from the state's consultants. Senator Ken Hollis also said he believes that the proposal shows a good faith effort by the governor to raise the Saints revenue. He stated that the Saints would have to have a new stadium eventually, however that decision won't be made until 2006 or 2007. The state's offer would provide the Saints with enough money to move the Saints from about 27th to 10th in the NFL in stadium-related revenue; or from the current $39.3 million to about $54.3 million. The state's proposal includes giving the Saints new premium seating, naming rights to the Superdome, and use of the stadium rent-free. According to the proposal, renovating the Superdome would cost $75 million, which would be paid off at $4.8 million a year. The governor's office Tuesday said the proposal calls for no new state taxes in Louisiana.

Perry stated that if there would be a new stadium built, it would bolster the Saints revenue by only $230,000. He also stated that the stadium issue could see serious opposition politically, mostly from politicians who don't want to dip into their "slush fund," which is used for giving grants to their districts. Money from that slush fund is given to tourism, recreation and education programs in the New Orleans area. As expected, the Saints didn't get what they wanted. However, the battle is not over and sources say to expect it to be long and drawn out. Whether the Saints will get a new home is going to be a matter of serious give and take. The question is which side will give first?

Article courtesy of Fanstop.com