The New Orleans Saints and the state of Louisiana are reportedly close to an agreement to keep the NFL franchise in the Crescent City and in the Superdome for an extended period of time. According to a former chairman of the Superdome Commission, that's good news for the city.
Tim Coulon served on the commission when the Saints and the state worked out previous agreements for the team to play in the iconic venue. He says it's vital that the Saints and the state reach an agreement beneficial to both parties.
"Being an NFL franchise, one of 32, is monumental for a city our size," Coulon said. "We've always been accused of being a small market, and I think we play bigger than that. I think that we want to be a major city, and having an NFL franchise is part of being a major city."
Coulon says news of the new deal leaves him optimistic for the future of the Saints and the Superdome. That's because, he says, a new deal between the Saints and the state would put aside any doubts anyone might have about the Saints going anywhere else. Coulon also notes that the deal could lead to further improvements to the fan experience at the Superdome.
"I suspect there will be a continued evolution in terms of improvements to the dome and improved relationships between the Saints and the state as it relates to the other aspects of the deal, which would be related to the concessions, parking, etc.," Coulon said. "I really am optimistic."