Payments that the Saints are supposed to make for renovations at the Superdome have become a source of contention in New Orleans. Additionally, it is affecting the plans to renovate the Smoothie King Center, home of the Pelicans.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the Saints are $11.5 million behind on their Superdome renovation payments. Despite the article’s opening passages suggesting that Saints owner Gayle Benson is having financial difficulties (e.g., “behind on her bills”), the Saints have a quite different take on the matter.
The team states in the piece that it has “asked for certain documentation over an extended period of time and we have not received that documentation,” and that it has “no issue with making the current payment of $11.5 million or, for that matter, the remaining balance.”
Owing to the unpaid amount, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District decided to put off plans to renovate the Smoothie King Center.
Since December, the Saints have refused to pay for the $58 million makeover. The $41 million upgrade share for the team.
The Smoothie King Center is home to the Pelicans until 2029. It appears that until the Superdome situation is settled, the possibility of fixing difficulties at their existing home cannot be addressed.
That’d be the wise course of action. Sort it out. The Saints and the LSED ought to put an end to their public relations conflict and have a discussion. The sum of $11.5 million is insignificant for both organizations. Therefore, to all parties involved, let go of your complaints and concentrate on finding a workable solution.
It doesn’t help anyone that there is dirty laundry like this blowing in the wind when the Super Bowl is in town in nine months.