Saints Fans Fear Team May Leave New Orleans for Good

Strategic Insights -

A mix of emotions filled the air in Baton Rouge as the New Orleans Saints played their first game in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina. While some fans expressed their love and enthusiasm for the team, others voiced concerns that the Saints may leave New Orleans for good. The team's owner, Tom Benson, has long complained about the Saints' regular digs, the Superdome, and now a natural disaster clause in the team's contract has led to speculation that Benson could largely walk away from the city. This has left Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and other officials scrambling to find a solution to keep the team in New Orleans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Saints' game against the Miami Dolphins was significant not only because of the team's play but also because it was the first game in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina.
  • Some Saints fans, like Justin Fortenberry, are worried that the team may leave New Orleans for good, given the team's history of poor performance and Benson's complaints about the Superdome.
  • The natural disaster clause in the team's contract has given Benson the opportunity to walk away from the city, which has left Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco and other officials in an emergency meeting with Benson and NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to try to find a solution.
  • The NFL is considering subsidizing the team for a while if necessary, but the league's long-standing desire to put a team in Los Angeles may be a factor in this decision.
  • The Saints' game was marked by protests and signs calling for Benson to stay in New Orleans, with some fans expressing their feelings through creative costumes and signs.

Statistics:

  • The Saints were sold out for every game this season, despite the team's poor performance.
  • The team's merchandise sales have been significant, but the quality of the products has been a topic of complaint among fans.
  • 4 games of the season, including the game against the Dolphins, will be played at LSU's Tiger Stadium.
  • The NFL is considering subsidizing the team for a while if necessary, but no specific figures have been mentioned.

Sources:

  • NPR News, "Football Fans Focus on Games and Rumors", October 2005
  • Anonymous, "Benson is a Carpetbagger" (banner at the game)
  • NBC, "NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Saints Future", October 2005
  • NPR, "Halloween Parade in New York Honors Katrina Survivors", October 2005
  • NPR News, "Kathleen Blanco on Keeping the Saints in Louisiana", October 2005
  • CNN, "SportsNation Discussion on Saints Future", October 2005