State & Saints enter preliminary negotiations for long-term deal -- new stadium likely off the table

jerryrip said
Do you think that tourists know exactly where to walk? Most tourists will walk down Loyola as soon as they hit it. Either that or they're taking taxis, and the whole location argument is moot. Most Saints fans are not the ones walking to the quarter anyway. They're headed to their cars to go home. Who cares how conveniently the Dome is placed in reference to the FQ; locals don't go there after games! Also your map must be printed in Pakistan, because mine says it's at least 1 mile to Canal and Baronne in a straight line. Like I said, I've walked the route a few times for Superdome events, parades and such. A new stadium located next to the river near the convention center makes FAR more sense. The Dome is an antique; there are facts and figures that say as much. Too many times we put money above progress. And yes, I have an agenda: I work for a stadium-study group that just makes money promoting retractable-roof stadiums. Give me a break.

I don't know about what you do when you attend Saints game, but every time I go to a Saints game and I visit the FQ after (which is pretty much every time) I see an awful lot of folks there who look like they just came from a Saints game. I also see a lot of folks there before the game. I know for a fact that many of them are locals both before and after games. Many have their own traditions (such as a pre-game Bloody Mary from Fat Harry's) that take them through the FQ before and/or after games.

I don't care what route you take, the FQ is close unless you're extremely fat or lazy (and I have been accused of both).

Now, despite what many locals think, tourists aren't stupid. They come to New Orleans knowing exactly how to get to the FQ or they know how to get information on how to get to the FQ. It's like going to New York and figuring out how to get to Staten Island. I have no clue, but I bet that I can find it if I ask someone or can find an internet connection or have a cell phone. It's a non-issue as evidenced by the numerous Superbowls held there along with Final Fours, etc.

Next to the Convention Center isn't going to happen because the locals won't let it happen. It's already been tried.