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If you're keeping track of the NFL relocation game in California, the Rams and Chargers are now in Los Angeles and the Raiders hope to be in Las Vegas one day soon.

Depending on your point of view, the comings and goings represent the best or worst of NFL business policy. Either way, it's created the largest disruption in league membership since a two-year period in the 1990s when the Rams, Raiders and Oilers moved to St. Louis, Oakland and Nashville (by way of Memphis), respectively.



New stadiums have been the catalyst for each move. In the NFL, new stadiums are like franchise quarterbacks: You either have one or you're desperately trying to get one.

The scoreboard in the recent game of franchise roulette reads: New stadiums 3, old markets 0.

Which brings us to the Superdome, our venerable stadium of 42 years, the iconic fortress of concrete and steel that has become an integral part of New Orleans skyline and history.

It's time for us to start thinking about the stadium's future.

After all, when the Rams, Chargers and Raiders move into their new facilities in a few years, it will leave the Superdome as the fifth-oldest stadium in the NFL. Only Soldier Field (1924), Lambeau Field (1957), Arrowhead Stadium (1972) and New Era Field (1973) are older.

Nothing needs to be done right now. Heaven knows the cash-strapped state has more pressing matters on its hands than professional sports. But it's time we start thinking about a long-term plan. And by "we" I mean all of us: state officials; city leaders; the Saints; and you and me, the taxpayers.

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Beastmode

Not happening for a long time. Maybe 10 years from now. They are talking about installing parts of the exterior roof and walls with ETFE glass to bring natural light into the stadium. That would be awesome. Make it the shape of the logo and style of stain glass.

MatthewT

The idea of new stadiums is a complete joke, especially when it involves tax payers money. There is nothing wrong with having an outdoor open air stadium, or even cost effective dome stadiums, that can seat around 60k, share that with other teams in the area of all sports, and call it a day. If built correctly should last at least 50 years. This business of each major league sport having their own stadium, and replacing it every 20 or so years is just ridiculous.

vpheughan

Agreed but it's the "stuff dreams are made of" for NFL Team Owners. To them it's "Ask and ye shall receive" tell them No! Another city will build one! Ask LA and then ask St. Louis, San Diego and Oakland! Only GB is safe! NFL owners are for sale to the highest bidder. Empty stadiums are a ruse. The Rams moved and will play in a 30,000 seat stadium for two years!

stickman

Exactly. A Superdome renovation is inevitable. But, I'd rather hear them talking about this than talking about a new stadium.

hagan714

No way out of it. The day is coming where the state will have to build a new stadium for the saints. It is the NFL way of doing business, we will be held hostage one day soon

NOLA54

Another Superbowl will never be played in New Orleans without a new stadium. Hopefully a new dome with a movable roof. If Mercedes Benz wants the naming rights they can foot most of the bill.

AsylumGuido

Of course another Super Bowl will be played in the Superdome. There is nothing wrong with the Dome. It was totally gutted following Katrina down to its framework. Everything in it is no older than ten years old. The inside is unrecognizable from pre-Katrina days. Every off-season for the past several years has been spent adding more upgrades from Wi-Fi to huge state-of-the-art video boards to additional seating.

But, the thing that guarantees New Orleans remains in the SB rotation is the infrastructure. New Orleans far exceeds the requirements to host the SB with the numbers of hotel rooms and restaurants within easy access. These requirements prohibit half the NFL cities from ever qualifying. Entertainment and climate are the other factors why the SB will keep returning to the city. And most importantly, the corporate sponsors love New Orleans. It is always included as one of the two or three favorite locations named on every list.

Yes, building new stadiums will get some cities a single SB visit, but there is a limited number of locations that will always be hosts and New Orleans is one of those.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

jeanpierre

Bullshinski.

And you can google and find loads of articles, like the one below, that would make New Orleans the permanent host city...

9 reasons New Orleans is the only city that should host the Super Bowl | For The Win

K Major

When 2022 SB bids come around, NOLA will earn the bid & host another SB.