Saints Pay for Superdome Renovation, Resolving Standoff with State Officials

The New Orleans Saints have made an $11.4 million payment towards Superdome renovations, ending a public standoff with state officials. The payment came after Saints president Dennis Lauscha criticized the state commission overseeing the Superdome for their conduct in lease negotiations.

The dispute became public during an LSED board meeting when it was revealed that the Saints were behind on payments for the renovations. The Saints insisted they were prepared to pay but needed specific documentation, which the LSED claimed they did not understand.

The Saints had withheld payments since December due to dissatisfaction with the state’s posture in lease negotiations. However, after a productive call between Lauscha and LSED board chairman Rob Vossbein, the payment was made.

The renovation project, initially approved at $450 million in 2019, has grown to nearly $550 million. The Saints are responsible for about $41 million of the remaining $58 million in work. The project includes overhauls of stadium entrances, concourses, and kitchens, with completion expected before the NFL season begins.

Governor Jeff Landry intervened by calling Saints owner Gayle Benson, leading to a resolution of the impasse. The Saints remain committed to the renovations and look forward to completing the remaining work ahead of the Super Bowl scheduled for February 9.