[StBernard] State and New Orleans Saints commit to 2010

[Westley Annis]

State and New Orleans Saints commit to 2010

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Owner Tom Benson announce contract extension

BATON ROUGE - After working together to insure that the New Orleans Louisiana Saints remain in New Orleans and after enjoying the excitement of the team's very successful 2006 season, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Saints owner Tom Benson today simultaneously announced that the contract for the Saints to play in the Louisiana Superdome has been extended through the 2010 NFL season. During the next four years, both parties will explore all available alternatives to extended the Saints' stay beyond 2010.

"Our commitment to New Orleans has been unwavering," said Owner Tom Benson from the NFL owner's meeting in Arizona . "I didn't want there to be any misunderstanding about the club honoring the contract. During this period, I anticipate both parties exploring all options available to retain this very important relationship beyond 2010."

"The Saints are Louisiana's team and I am excited about their promising future here," Gov. Blanco said during a press conference at the Governor's Mansion. "I join Saints fans everywhere in thanking Mr. Benson and every member of the Saints organization for their dedication to the people of our state and the entire Gulf Coast. This long-term partnership between our state and our team ensures that the Saints will continue to march on to great things right here, in Louisiana and in front of the most dedicated fans in the world." 

The Saints have taken a leadership role in the rebirth of New Orleans. Over the last two decades, the club has been a fixture in the community in all endeavors, but never more than in 2006, immediately returning to the city and becoming a source of unity and pride. By supporting everything from local economic developments to statewide charities to galvanizing its fan base with a charge to the NFC Championship Game, the Saints' impact was never greater than last season, when it was needed most.

"We've been steadfast in our belief in Louisiana and have put all of our resources into being part of the rebuilding of the entire region," said Benson. "It's always been my strong belief that as a team, we can achieve more than any individual. And by that I include the fans, because they've always been a big part of the New Orleans Saints. There are still a lot of challenges ahead, but by focusing on the future, we can move forward instead of looking back." 

In his reference to not looking back, the team continues to build for the future, with the entire coaching staff back in place and planning for the 2007 season and the personnel department laying the foundation as the NFL Draft nears, all of this under the leadership of Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. He has directed another solid plan in free agency by his recruitment of high character productive players. 

Under the guidance of Rita Benson LeBlanc, the team boasts the eventual sellout of all suites for the 2007 season and the sellout of the stadium along with the team's first waiting list for season tickets. Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Dennis Lauscha has done an excellent job overseeing the financial matters of the club. 

Just months after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit South Louisiana, Gov. Blanco issued an executive order fast-tracking repairs to the Superdome. The Governor insisted on an expedited timeline of repairs to ensure that the facility would re-open in time for the Saints' first regular season home game. At the conclusion of the team's final regular season game, the Governor issued official statements of appreciation to every member of the Saints organization for their work to advance Louisiana's recovery. During the team's playoff run, more than 1,000 fans submitted personal messages of appreciation and support for the team through Gov. Blanco's "Thank the Saints" initiative. The Governor presented books filled with all the well wishers messages to the Saints during today's press conference.

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The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation
Louisiana's Fund for Louisiana's People
www.louisianahelp.org