As one that has been in the Dome a few times I find it hard to think of it a a piece of crap! When I was in it fior the Saints Eagles playoff game it was pretty nice. Sure it could use some more improvements but i'd rsther see he state spend more money on improvements to the dome and sell the nameing rights to some big company. then take the rest of the money and tear down some of those old warehouses and build a park for parking and tailgateing. i think this could be done far cheaper than building a new stadium for old Tom. If Tom wants a new stadium let him put some of his hard earned money in it too. I think it would do wonders for ticket sales to have a place to tailgate around the Dome. I know we'd have fun!!!!!

Be it ever so humble there's no place like home. I hope whatever they do, they leave it within walking distance of the Quarter. I think all the stuff that goes on in the Quarter before and after the games is what makes it the most fun.

Before I went off to college I used to go to all the Saints home games. It wasn't built for football, but hey when the Saints move we can at least keep the Dome. No place like home right?

The dome does fall short of other NFL stadiums, even after the renovations. The main problem is suites. That's why the dome is no longer really a viable option as far as revenues go. Owners make the lion's share of their money from suites, and the dome just doesn't have enough, and there isn't room to add them, thus the need for a new stadium. I agree with building a new stadium, I don't agree with it being in New Orleans East though. There has to be a better option.

It's so amazing how the DOME went from being the state of the art stadium all other teams admired to being a dinosaur. I saw a picture somewhere, can't remember where, but it was a picture of a retractable roof stadium along the river, it had a hugh area for tailgating, a park area, lots of parking space, it was a thing of beauty. I'm hoping that that's the way the powers that be are leaning toward, I think the area the stadium was built was at the end of the last phase of the Convention Center, man the sky view of that stadium on the river was unbelievable. I've been trying to find that damn picture and can't remember for the life of me where I saw it, well I'll just keep looking.

At one time it was posted on the Saints own web site but I think those plans got thrown away after Katrina. I believe they wanted to put that one in the footprint of the Iberville Projects though. Nagin vetoed that idea because of the people that have "lived there for generations".

http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/saintsmain.jpg
I think this is what you were looking for.

When we build a new dome, it will fall short of others yet again. I don't see anyone taking about Houston or Det's stadiums anymore. It's all Phoenix and Dallas
We can add French Quarter style balconies, and make lots of improvements to bring the Dome back to glory. Some 700 mil is a lot of money for a rebuilding state to spend on a dome. Benson would have to kick in big time, before I'd gleefully support a new dome. Not that my opinion matters... My platform is more sentimental, but I'll give it a run.

The pre-Katrina Saints were one of the most profitable franchises in the league. I recall our former Commish expressing concerns about Benson's annual ransom/payment, or whatever. I'm sure Benson is doing just swell these days, with around 130 suites sold out and a waiting list rumored to be over 25k. I don't think additional suites are needed, considering our region's tenuous economy. Even Gillette only has 80 suites. I don't hear a peep out of Kraft about the lack of revenue in NE.

We aren't Dallas or Atl, either. Those business climates clearly trump ours. Our tourism is down by 1/2, and the oil biz isn't the most stable. People are laying down roots elsewhere, as we fail to get a handle on our education system and crime. Homes are becoming hard sells. I'm not sure how much more Joe six pack can absorb by paying higher ticket prices, and other fees that new domes always bring. A couple 5-11 seasons can quickly change demand for the Saints, while people are still struggling to recover from the storm. Some would find other priorities.

I think that's the stadium, but the picture showed the overhead view of the entire riverfront area.

I keep thinking I saw or heard one was proposed with a retractable roof. I like the open end on that one, but a lot of people say they prefer a dome. Some can't drink right in the heat.