Saints and L.A. Thread (Merged)

TheDeuce · 10-26-2005, 06:39 PM

"I look forward to attending the kickoff for the 2009 season at the Coliseum," the mayor wrote.

So should we just assume that L.A. will have one of the six teams mentioned in the article will be in Los Angeles by 2009?

Halo · 10-26-2005, 11:44 PM

TallySaint

I think it could be that Benson wanted to play all the games in the Alamodome this year because it was cheaper and he would make him more money. I see your point, so you're saying they need a temporary home.

I agree with this point.

You know I think what people are so upset about is when the Mayor of San Antonio opened his mouth and put his foot in it, Benson didn't shoot it down. Funny thing is, notice how is reaction is different. He never saw Katrina or New Orleans after Katrina. The poorest sections of the City are gone. I doubt there were 100 season ticket holders in the 9th ward or New Orleans East, and I'm serious about that. Benson went home and changed his mind. He was living in a bubble.

But I have to say they are really stimulating the Baton Rouge area right now, and if they play some decent games, the Saints could make some season ticket holders from people in this area. Hard core Baton Rougon (I don't know how to spell that) people are just LSU fans. But the outer areas are mixed. And then there is the draw from Lafayette. I've found Lafayette and Houma to be huge bases for Saints fans. They may be growing their base here and are just now realizing it because they are playing here.

No matter what the size crowd, the Saints must put up a good show. Baton Rouge fans are very fair weather and I've found them boo-ing LSU before, and they were undefeated. Very critical fans, but they can be won over.

There's going to be a big show in Baton Rouge. It's interesting to see how all this pans out.

TallySaint · 10-28-2005, 12:06 PM

I see your point, so you're saying they need a temporary home.

Yes. Whether its Baton Rouge, San Antonio or somewhere else.

My guess is, if that were to happen, San Antonio has the lead at the moment. Not sure why I think that. Maybe because they are so hungry for a franchise that they would commit to adding infrastructure to house a team and prove their worth as an NFL city. Benson's ties to the area is another reason. Players and staff have become acclimated to the area - housing, children is schools, etc.

Baton Rouge is appealing. Its in Louisiana and in the middle of the fan base. State officials would certainly push this option - revenue, etc. Having the "bird in hand" is also a thought. The downside, to me anyway, would be facilities and logistics. Don't get me wrong. It can be done. The Bears and University of Illinois an example. If I remember correctly, that was a two year thing? But concerns of office space and practice facilities, etc. pop up.

There is a plus for every minus for both. I'm sure many of you closer to the situation are more informed than me. I just think the Saints having a place of their own, temporarily, is the answer for a smoother operation. Many Saints fans might think we'd be on our way to losing the team if they played in San Antonio for a season or two. If the NFL and Benson agree this is only temporary while New Orleans gets its footing I don't have a problem with it at all.

The Saints playing in San Antonio would also give their city an opportunity to prove they are worthy of a future franchise. A chance for them to upgrade facilities, etc. Scary for us Saints folks, huh? Proving their worth with the team right there. The NFL would have an enormous responsibility to keep Benson on track with his plan to return to New Orleans. A task they are up to, in my opinion.

I also would like to say that I hope most of the rhetoric and posing by all sides is fading. Relations and negotiations weren't at their best to begin with and now Katrina blasted us. But that opens a continuation of our discussion even further - How does New Orleans gain it's footing to even be considered for a return by the team? Very complex on many levels - from the city functioning somewhat normally to federal assistance rebuilding the dome or some other facility to state negotiations. Mind boggling.

Rambled on a bit, there...

8)

TallySaint · 10-28-2005, 12:27 PM

..... and to echo what someone said in another thread. Yes, the pressure on the league and Tommy Boy must continue. Unfortunately, with the powers diffusing the situation and calming the negative press of late, I just don't see the pressure continuing. Pressure may continue from fans and grass-root efforts - but in the big scheme of things, I don't see us fans as being much of a factor in the end result. The issue will be old news in the press soon.

Ultimately, it will come down to those with power - Benson, NFL and Louisiana.

$$$

8)

10-26-2005, 06:39 PM	#11
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928	"I look forward to attending the kickoff for the 2009 season at the Coliseum," the mayor wrote. So should we just assume that L.A. will have one of the six teams mentioned in the article will be in Los Angeles by 2009?
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928

10-28-2005, 12:06 PM	#13
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	I see your point, so you're saying they need a temporary home. Yes. Whether its Baton Rouge, San Antonio or somewhere else. My guess is, if that were to happen, San Antonio has the lead at the moment. Not sure why I think that. Maybe because they are so hungry for a franchise that they would commit to adding infrastructure to house a team and prove their worth as an NFL city. Benson's ties to the area is another reason. Players and staff have become acclimated to the area - housing, children is schools, etc. Baton Rouge is appealing. Its in Louisiana and in the middle of the fan base. State officials would certainly push this option - revenue, etc. Having the "bird in hand" is also a thought. The downside, to me anyway, would be facilities and logistics. Don't get me wrong. It can be done. The Bears and University of Illinois an example. If I remember correctly, that was a two year thing? But concerns of office space and practice facilities, etc. pop up. There is a plus for every minus for both. I'm sure many of you closer to the situation are more informed than me. I just think the Saints having a place of their own, temporarily, is the answer for a smoother operation. Many Saints fans might think we'd be on our way to losing the team if they played in San Antonio for a season or two. If the NFL and Benson agree this is only temporary while New Orleans gets its footing I don't have a problem with it at all. The Saints playing in San Antonio would also give their city an opportunity to prove they are worthy of a future franchise. A chance for them to upgrade facilities, etc. Scary for us Saints folks, huh? Proving their worth with the team right there. The NFL would have an enormous responsibility to keep Benson on track with his plan to return to New Orleans. A task they are up to, in my opinion. I also would like to say that I hope most of the rhetoric and posing by all sides is fading. Relations and negotiations weren't at their best to begin with and now Katrina blasted us. But that opens a continuation of our discussion even further - How does New Orleans gain it's footing to even be considered for a return by the team? Very complex on many levels - from the city functioning somewhat normally to federal assistance rebuilding the dome or some other facility to state negotiations. Mind boggling. Rambled on a bit, there... 8)
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10-26-2005, 11:44 PM	#12
Halo Site Donor MONTHLY Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 20,565 Blog Entries: 45	TallySaint I think it could be that Benson wanted to play all the games in the Alamodome this year because it was cheaper and he would make him more money. I see your point, so you're saying they need a temporary home. I agree with this point. You know I think what people are so upset about is when the Mayor of San Antonio opened his mouth and put his foot in it, Benson didn't shoot it down. Funny thing is, notice how is reaction is different. He never saw Katrina or New Orleans after Katrina. The poorest sections of the City are gone. I doubt there were 100 season ticket holders in the 9th ward or New Orleans East, and I'm serious about that. Benson went home and changed his mind. He was living in a bubble. But I have to say they are really stimulating the Baton Rouge area right now, and if they play some decent games, the Saints could make some season ticket holders from people in this area. Hard core Baton Rougon (I don't know how to spell that) people are just LSU fans. But the outer areas are mixed. And then there is the draw from Lafayette. I've found Lafayette and Houma to be huge bases for Saints fans. They may be growing their base here and are just now realizing it because they are playing here. No matter what the size crowd, the Saints must put up a good show. Baton Rouge fans are very fair weather and I've found them boo-ing LSU before, and they were undefeated. Very critical fans, but they can be won over. There's going to be a big show in Baton Rouge. It's interesting to see how all this pans out.

10-28-2005, 12:27 PM	#14
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	..... and to echo what someone said in another thread. Yes, the pressure on the league and Tommy Boy must continue. Unfortunately, with the powers diffusing the situation and calming the negative press of late, I just don't see the pressure continuing. Pressure may continue from fans and grass-root efforts - but in the big scheme of things, I don't see us fans as being much of a factor in the end result. The issue will be old news in the press soon. Ultimately, it will come down to those with power - Benson, NFL and Louisiana. $$$ 8)