(Official editorial of the Times-Picayune/Advocate, Sept. 21)
In football, almost the worst mistake imaginable is a fumble on the one-yard line.
Yet, as the negotiations grind on to extend the Saints lease at the Superdome beyond 2030, we fear that could happen if all parties don’t come to the table with a focus on getting to the goal.
We urge the Saints, the state and Superdome management to recognize what they mean to this state and region and come up with a deal to extend the team’s lease without further delay.
Slightly more than a week ago, relief seemed the order of the day when reports emerged that the Saints were expected soon to sign a new long-term lease for the Caesars Superdome. On Wednesday, though, those feelings turned into considerable concern when negotiators missed a key deadline to finalize the deal, thus putting in jeopardy New Orleans’ bid to host the 2031 Super Bowl.
Because conflicts with conventions and Mardi Gras probably will kill chances of the city hosting Super Bowls between 2032 and 2037, this could mean no return of the big game to Louisiana until at least 2038. Coming off such a successful Super Bowl this year, that 13-year delay (at least) before another one would be a major disappointment.
Momentum can be just as much a force in civic affairs as it is on the playing field. Yet once lost, it can be exceedingly difficult to regain.
Obviously, the Saints and the state are mutually beneficial partners. The Saints are a rallying point and a key locus of civic unity, along with being a font of charitable action – and the state and indeed entire Gulf region in turn reward the Saints with love and dedication to a famous degree.
The Saints also must recognize that Louisiana has put up hundreds of millions of dollars through the years in economic benefits for the team and in making their Superdome home a world-class facility.
Everybody knew well in advance that the official deadline for a 2031 Super Bowl bid was coming. And the basics of the Superdome lease itself reportedly are in place. So the wrangling to wring out every last dollar negotiating side issues such as rental agreements for the nearby Benson Tower seems frivolous and superfluous.
Both Saints spokesman Greg Bensel and businessman Shane Guidry, who has been working with state officials on the lease, say they believe New Orleans’ Super Bowl bid can be revived if the lease deal is signed before league owners meet to vote on the 2031 site. To do so, owner Gayle Benson apparently would need to use her storied persuasive powers to convince Commissioner Roger Goodell to put the Saints bid back in play despite the missed deadline.
But every further day of deferral creates a higher bar against such persuasive efforts. Come on, everybody: Get this done.
