The Superdome renovation project is just weeks away from being complete, but Superdome officials say they're waiting on a payment from the New Orleans Saints that can guarantee the work will be finished on tme.
"We're on pace to complete the project within the desired timeframe," ASM New Orleans General Manager Evan Holmes said before discussing the funding issue that could hold up the completion of the pre-Super Bowl renovations.
According to Holmes, the New Orleans Saints are obligated to reimburse Superdome authorities for one-third of the construction costs. However, Holmes says the Saints have not made any payments in six months.
"Really, since December, however, we haven't received a payment from the Saints," Holmes told members of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Board during a meeting on Wednesday. "That amount that is outstanding is approximately $11 million."
Holmes says LSED has been covering the Saints' share to keep work going, but they won't be able to keep doing so.
"In short, we don't have the money to pay the Saints share going forward," said a board member who wanted clarification.
"That's correct," Holmes replied.
Holmes added that the Saints will ultimately be responsible for $41 million in payments for the renovations.
We have emailed a spokesperson for the New Orleans Saints seeking comment. We will update the story when we hear from him.
"Representatives of the team have, in good faith, been in regular communications and meetings with representatives of the LSED regarding the stadium project and related matters," the statement said. "We have no issue with making the current payment of $11.5 million or, for that matter, the remaining balance.
"We have, however, asked for certain documentation over an extended period and we have not received that documentation," the statement continued. "Prior to our last payment in December, we requested the documentation, but in good faith we continued to fund. We have been waiting and requesting that documentation since that date and most recently expected it before today's LSED meeting. Yet, another timeline has slipped with no explanation or communication of any kind."
The unsigned statement says the team will make an immediate payment once the LSED supplies the Saints organization with "satisfactory documentation."
"Unfortunately, it was disappointing to hear the comments coming out of the LSED meeting today that the team is not acting in good faith, when, in fact, we feel the opposite is true," the statement said.
