A disagreement has surfaced in New Orleans regarding the payments owed by the Saints for upgrades at the Superdome, which is also affecting plans to upgrade the Smoothie King Center, the home arena of the Pelicans.
According to reports from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints are currently $11.5 million behind on payments for the Superdome upgrades. While the initial paragraphs of the article suggest possible cash-flow issues for Saints owner Gayle Benson (e.g., being “behind on her bills”), the Saints themselves view the situation in a markedly different light.
As per the article, the team asserts that it has “no issue with making the current payment of $11.5 million or, for that matter, the remaining balance.” However, they have emphasized that they have “asked for certain documentation over an extended period and we have not received that documentation.”
In response to the situation, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District has decided to halt plans to upgrade the Smoothie King Center due to the outstanding balance.
The Saints have refrained from making payments since December for the $58 million project, with the team’s share of the upgrades amounting to $41 million.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans hold a lease at the Smoothie King Center until 2029. However, the potential for addressing issues at their current home seems to be on hold until the situation regarding the Superdome is resolved.
Absolutely, pressing pause on the public relations battle and coming together to resolve their issues would indeed be the wise course of action. With $11.5 million at stake, which is relatively insignificant for both entities, it’s imperative for them to set aside their grievances and concentrate on finding a constructive solution. It’s essential for both parties to express their concerns openly and then work collaboratively to address the problem effectively.
With the Super Bowl looming just nine months away, it serves no one’s interests to have such contentious issues aired in public.