By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-846148.mp3
New Orleans, La. – The recent deal between the state and Saints owner Tom Benson calls for a partnership benefiting both parties. Doug Thornton of SMG, which manages the state-owned Superdome, says the improved stadium will attract big events, like the 2013 Super Bowl, as well as the Saints through 2025.
But plans for the Poydras Street complex depend a great deal on having a major hotel on-site. The Hyatt has been closed since Hurricane Katrina, and new owner Chris Robertson says it's been tough closing a deal to repair the property.
Robertson says if a deal can't be made, the project would be mothballed in October. New Orleans City Council Vice President Jackie Clarkson is offering to help get grants and other available funds.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming