Halo

NEW ORLEANS – Scoring what is surely to be one of the most sought after tickets around Louisiana, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, a couple from Prairieville, La. were informed that they were one of the lucky Saints season ticket holders who won the lottery for a chance to buy Saints Super Bowl tickets.

As season ticket holders all over Louisiana and the New Orleans area crossed their fingers in anticipation of the lottery which was announced Tuesday afternoon. August and Cheryl Michele were some of the first fans to receive word that they had won the ticket lottery. They immediately raced to the bank to get a cashier's check and returned to claim their prize.

Minutes later they burst out of the team facility, tickets in hand and unable to contain their emotions - with both screaming like young kids.

"About time and I’m so glad that we got Benson to keep the team in New Orleans. It’s the only game in town," said August, who was quickly scolded by Cheryl to not fold the tickets.

Cheryl Michele said she jumped up and down, yelled and began hyperventilating on hearing the news, saying that they had season tickets since the early days when the team played at Tulane Stadium. The lottery is weighted for season tickets holders who have had season tickets the longest.

But the price to see the Saints finally emerge from decades of often poor play and see their team in the Super Bowl won't be cheap. Those who are selected,, like the Micheles, will have the opportunity to buy two tickets at $800 per seat, which is not a bad deal comparatively, as many long-suffering Saints will have to shell out over $1,000 to get to see the game in Miami.

Many package deals by local travel agencies for the game range between $3,000 and $5,000.

The tickets must be picked up by Friday at 10 a.m. and paid for with a cashier’s check. There will also be a limited number of $500 per seat tickets. The team will call or e-mail those who are selected.

LINKBACK: WWLTV.COM

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