Benson to bail on Superdome
Web Posted: 10/21/2005 12:00 AM CDT
Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer
New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson plans to void his lease agreement for the Louisiana Superdome by declaring the facility unusable, sources close to the Saints' organization say.
The move, likely to come in November, would be the boldest step yet by Benson to free his NFL team from his Louisiana commitments and pave the way for a possible permanent relocation to San Antonio.
However, sources caution, Benson may pursue a plan in which he offers San Antonio only a short-term commitment — to keep his team here for the 2006 season — and after that weigh his prospects in San Antonio against what may be available in a reconstructed New Orleans.
One source said such a scenario would "buy him some time."
Meanwhile, several local leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the certainty of Benson's plans to break ties with Louisiana has boosted momentum for Mayor Phil Hardberger's Saints relocation efforts in recent days.
They point to serious discussions in public and private sectors about financing for Alamodome improvements, state-funding possibilities and what corporation may be most eager to agree to a naming rights deal that could add as much as $100 million to the relocation war chest.
Mike Abington, director of the Alamodome, said refurbishing that facility to provide Benson with additional luxury suites may cost considerably less than the $136 million suggested in a 2000 appraisal.
"It was a quickie study," Abington said. "When a comprehensive study is done based on the team's needs, that will reveal a more accurate estimate."
Hardberger agreed, adding that many of the improvements detailed in that study already have been made. He estimated $50 million would be needed to boost luxury-suite capacity from 38 to 60. Still, the NFL average is about 120.
County Judge Nelson Wolff confirmed prominent business leaders met last week to discuss planned negotiations between the city and the Saints — talks Hardberger said would begin early next year.
"Tom has made it clear he really doesn't want to enter negotiations until the end of the season, and I respect that," Hardberger said Thursday.
Wolff said local business leaders also are eager to iron out an unsightly wrinkle in the city's Saints attraction: the impact on the NBA champion Spurs.
"There are concerns that whatever is done, we don't want to diminish financial support for the Spurs," Wolff said.
Benson has the option to invoke a "force majeure" clause in the Saints' lease agreement with the state of Louisiana, which operates the Superdome.
The clause gives him the right to void the lease, without penalty, if he claims an "act of God" has rendered the stadium unusable for the team's games.
But sources say Benson is more concerned about New Orleans' damaged economy than he is the status of the Superdome. Benson, sources say, believes he can make more money in San Antonio than in Baton Rouge, where the Saints will play four games this season.
Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans on Aug. 29, flooding the city and seriously damaging the Superdome.
Days after the storm, the Saints moved their training headquarters to San Antonio. Eight home games were rebooked, three to the Alamodome.
Superdome officials on Thursday said repair work has begun and the stadium should be ready for the Saints to play at least a portion of their 2006 home games there.
But Larry Roedel, an attorney who represents the Superdome, said last week it would be "difficult" to schedule football games in the dome for the 2006 season.
Tim Coulon, head of the stadium commission, said the state will fight any attempt by Benson to get out of the Superdome lease, possibly in court or through arbitration. The lease runs through 2010.
Benson has until Nov. 28 to invoke the "force majeure" clause and avoid an $81 million exit penalty for walking away from the agreement. Sources say he plans to do just that.
In what some see as a warm-up exercise, Benson has informed Louisiana officials that the Saints are terminating the lease agreement for their training facility in Metairie, a New Orleans suburb.
The facility was taken over by FEMA as a disaster-relief base following Katrina.
FEMA since has moved out, but Benson has told the state that damage caused by the agency's use of the facility rules out use by his team.
Roedel said the state intends to repair the facility and will insist the lease be honored.
Local leaders say they're open to any short-term plans Benson may propose — plans that may fall short of immediate permanent relocation.
One source said an agreement for just the 2006 season would provide an impetus, as well as political security, for any plan to refurbish the Alamodome and attract additional major events.
Hardberger, who opposes city funding for a new stadium, said he considers the Alamodome sound currency to take to the negotiating table.
"We aren't talking about a facility outdated or outmoded," Hardberger said. "Nor one in a state of disrepair. The Alamodome is in good shape."
If refurbishment money is appropriated, he said, it "will go to adding suites."
State Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, said he wants to use a portion of the Texas Enterprise Fund to provide money for the city's Saints relocation campaign. He said $146 million remains in the fund for use until 2007.
Wentworth said he also has found $10 million in fund money for "special events" left over from the 2003 legislative session.
Hardberger, meanwhile, found a prominent defender the day after Louisiana officials blasted him and Benson for agreeing to talk about the relocation of the Saints.
"Phil Hardberger has operated with the highest degree of integrity," said local businessman B.J. "Red" McCombs, former owner of the Minnesota Vikings.
"For anyone to look at what he's done as far as creating the problem in New Orleans is ludicrous. New Orleans' problems are real, and the Saints are going to have to play somewhere."
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/f....1d44511b.html
Short term? Something is not right.However, sources caution, Benson may pursue a plan in which he offers San Antonio only a short-term commitment — to keep his team here for the 2006 season — and after that weigh his prospects in San Antonio against what may be available in a reconstructed New Orleans.
One source said such a scenario would "buy him some time."
Not a surprise. Hopefully someone in city government will be astute enough to include as part of any lease with the Saints a definitive length and some stiff penalties for breaking it, should the city go ahead with a $100+ mil refurbishment program for the Alamodome.
Hmmm...is the city planning on tapping SBC again for the naming rights? Don't see that.
Clear Channel Alamodome anyone?
Dome.
Also, not sure why it would make much sense to Clear Channel to buy the naming rights.
I was being silly. Note the -->
Valero Stadium or Valero Field.
, Frost Bank Stadium sounds good too.
Valero Stadium? God damn Buddy...I do love the sound of that.
Frost Bank doesn't have the money to name a stadium.
If a group of Ford dealerships in OKC can get the naming rights to their new arena, I don't see Frost having much trouble.
This is the NFL, not a 1 season stopover for a displaced NBA franchise in OKC.
The naming rights for Ford Arena in OKC were in place long before the Hornets relocated there.
They were given before the place opened.
Have you paid Jim back?
What do you think the naming rights to an arena in OKC without any pro team based there at the time might be worth?
Last edited by Marcus Bryant; 10-21-2005 at 04:25 PM. Reason: grammar
More.
But as of now, there is no permanent pro sports tenant in the Dome.
So Frost Bank could go in and get the naming rights for cheap before/if the Saints move in.
But the naming rights are worth less after a team moves in. Or does that principle only hold in OKC?
What are you talking about?
OKC got their naming rights before the damn arena was even open.
Naming rights after a pro sports team moves in are considerably higher.
No kidding. Your response indiciated the opposite.
No it didn't. That was my entire point.
If Frost Bank or anyone is going to buy the naming rights, they'd be wise to do so now.
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