Latest on the stadium proposal....

JOESAM2002 · 11-12-2004, 12:48 AM

Latest Saints proposal for new or improved stadium to be released soon
04:33 PM CST on Wednesday, November 10, 2004

Associated Press

The New Orleans Saints plan to unveil their latest proposal for a stadium upgrade and deal with the state to the public before meeting with Gov. Kathleen Blanco and the Louisiana Legislature, Saints vice president Arnold Fielkow said on Wednesday.

"We've been working very hard on a proposal that insures the team will be here longterm," Fielkow said. "We hope to have it ready to present in the next couple of weeks."

The Saints had called a news conference last month to present the proposal, but canceled it. The reason given was the upcoming marriage of team owner Tom Benson. The Saints (3-5) have lost four of their last five games, however, and there has been speculation that the team has held off on the proposal hoping for a victory and a more receptive atmosphere.

Fielkow would not reveal what line the new proposal would take, but Gov. Kathleen Blanco has said that the idea of building a new stadium for the New Orleans Saints "looks like it's on its last breath." Public sentiment has shifted toward renovating the Superdome, Blanco said.

"I think we'll have a very solid proposal that shows a lot of flexibility," Fielkow said.

Amid threats by owner Tom Benson to move the team, the Legislature approved $187 million in concessions and payment to the Saints in 2001 to keep them in the Superdome through 2010. The issue was reopened this summer when the state had to borrow $7 million from a state economic development fund to fill in holes in its $15 million payment.

Blanco said any stadium plan involving the Saints would need a regional funding source since "the state itself does not have the resources to do this."

11-12-2004, 12:48 AM	#1
JOESAM2002 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CRYSTAL BEACH TEXAS Posts: 4,100	Latest on the stadium proposal.... Latest Saints proposal for new or improved stadium to be released soon 04:33 PM CST on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 Associated Press The New Orleans Saints plan to unveil their latest proposal for a stadium upgrade and deal with the state to the public before meeting with Gov. Kathleen Blanco and the Louisiana Legislature, Saints vice president Arnold Fielkow said on Wednesday. "We've been working very hard on a proposal that insures the team will be here longterm," Fielkow said. "We hope to have it ready to present in the next couple of weeks." The Saints had called a news conference last month to present the proposal, but canceled it. The reason given was the upcoming marriage of team owner Tom Benson. The Saints (3-5) have lost four of their last five games, however, and there has been speculation that the team has held off on the proposal hoping for a victory and a more receptive atmosphere. Fielkow would not reveal what line the new proposal would take, but Gov. Kathleen Blanco has said that the idea of building a new stadium for the New Orleans Saints "looks like it's on its last breath." Public sentiment has shifted toward renovating the Superdome, Blanco said. "I think we'll have a very solid proposal that shows a lot of flexibility," Fielkow said. Amid threats by owner Tom Benson to move the team, the Legislature approved $187 million in concessions and payment to the Saints in 2001 to keep them in the Superdome through 2010. The issue was reopened this summer when the state had to borrow $7 million from a state economic development fund to fill in holes in its $15 million payment. Blanco said any stadium plan involving the Saints would need a regional funding source since "the state itself does not have the resources to do this."