San Antonio Embraces Saints, Hopes for NFL Team

TallySaint · 09-28-2005, 03:47 PM

Updated: Sep. 28, 2005, 4:03 PM ET

San Antonio embraces Saints, hopes for NFL team
Associated Press
National Football League News Wire

SAN ANTONIO -- The line snaked for a quarter mile.

Thousands of football-starved fans were jumping at the chance to buy tickets to see the New Orleans Saints -- and for a chance to show how the nation's eighth-largest city can support an NFL team.

The mayor and business leaders are trying to rally the city to support the Saints, who were forced here when Hurricane Katrina swamped their home city, and prove San Antonio is a major market worthy of the country's No. 1 sport.

"It's unfortunate that it took these circumstance to get these games over here, but it will show San Antonio is ready for a team," said Red McCombs, a San Antonio resident and former owner of the Spurs and the Minnesota Vikings. He's also a longtime friend of Saints owner Tom Benson, who has business and personal ties to San Antonio.

The NFL placed the Saints here for three games at the Alamodome this season, starting with Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The Saints will also play four games in Baton Rouge, La.

Little by little, the Alamodome is getting dressed up for the Saints. Team offices occupy much of the space of the lower levels and giants "SAINTS" signs decorate the outside.

"The way we've been treated here so far, knowing that we're going through some things, it's been phenomenal," said Saints wide receiver Joe Horn.

Yet the enthusiastic support doesn't mean it will become the Saints' permanent home or even put San Antonio in position should the Saints or some other team relocate.

Questions remain as to whether this city is too poor and too small for a league that still casts a hopeful eye toward placing a team in a larger markets, particularly Los Angeles.

City leaders are dancing a fine line of wanting to support the Saints while not wanting to appear as if they hope to cash on in New Orleans' misfortune.

"It's improper to talk about trying to bring the team here. New Orleans is a city flat on its back," said Henry Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor and Clinton administration appointee who remains a prominent city voice. "Then the best way we can show we deserve a team of our own no matter what is to fill the Alamodome three times."

Although the city sold about 50,000 tickets for the three Saints games that first day, as of Wednesday, more than 14,000 were available for Sunday's game. If the game isn't a sellout, the NFL could institute a local television blackout.

Story continues...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?...nfl&id=2175014

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09-28-2005, 03:47 PM	#1
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	San Antonio Embraces Saints, Hopes for NFL Team Updated: Sep. 28, 2005, 4:03 PM ET San Antonio embraces Saints, hopes for NFL team Associated Press National Football League News Wire SAN ANTONIO -- The line snaked for a quarter mile. Thousands of football-starved fans were jumping at the chance to buy tickets to see the New Orleans Saints -- and for a chance to show how the nation's eighth-largest city can support an NFL team. The mayor and business leaders are trying to rally the city to support the Saints, who were forced here when Hurricane Katrina swamped their home city, and prove San Antonio is a major market worthy of the country's No. 1 sport. "It's unfortunate that it took these circumstance to get these games over here, but it will show San Antonio is ready for a team," said Red McCombs, a San Antonio resident and former owner of the Spurs and the Minnesota Vikings. He's also a longtime friend of Saints owner Tom Benson, who has business and personal ties to San Antonio. The NFL placed the Saints here for three games at the Alamodome this season, starting with Sunday's matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The Saints will also play four games in Baton Rouge, La. Little by little, the Alamodome is getting dressed up for the Saints. Team offices occupy much of the space of the lower levels and giants "SAINTS" signs decorate the outside. "The way we've been treated here so far, knowing that we're going through some things, it's been phenomenal," said Saints wide receiver Joe Horn. Yet the enthusiastic support doesn't mean it will become the Saints' permanent home or even put San Antonio in position should the Saints or some other team relocate. Questions remain as to whether this city is too poor and too small for a league that still casts a hopeful eye toward placing a team in a larger markets, particularly Los Angeles. City leaders are dancing a fine line of wanting to support the Saints while not wanting to appear as if they hope to cash on in New Orleans' misfortune. "It's improper to talk about trying to bring the team here. New Orleans is a city flat on its back," said Henry Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor and Clinton administration appointee who remains a prominent city voice. "Then the best way we can show we deserve a team of our own no matter what is to fill the Alamodome three times." Although the city sold about 50,000 tickets for the three Saints games that first day, as of Wednesday, more than 14,000 were available for Sunday's game. If the game isn't a sellout, the NFL could institute a local television blackout. Story continues... http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?...nfl&id=2175014 8)
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