Updated: Nov 4, 2005, 5:17 PM

Vote: Will pro sports return to New Orleans?


The NFL's Saints and NBA's Hornets still claim "New Orleans" in their titles, but neither team is likely to play a game in the beleaguered city this season.

More than two months since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast and floodwaters submerged much of New Orleans, the city's professional sports teams are playing their home games in San Antonio, Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City. But are these just temporary measures?

New Orleans has been home to at least one pro sports franchise since the Saints marched into town for the 1967 season. But with Saints owner Tom Benson openly talking about the difficulties in returning to the Superdome for part of the 2006 season or beyond, and the Hornets selling out the arena in Oklahoma City and facing potential overtures from other markets, it seems possible neither team will return to New Orleans.

NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and NBA commissioner David Stern have both offered words of assurance of their commitment to the city, but what do you think will happen to pro sports in New Orleans?
  • 1) What role would professional sports franchises play in helping rebuild the New Orleans area?
  • 2) How long do you think it will be until New Orleans has the population, resources and desire to support pro franchises?
  • 3) Will the Saints ever return to New Orleans on a full-time basis?
  • 4) Where will the Saints permanently relocate if they don't return to New Orleans?
  • 5) Should the NFL commit to New Orleans, either via the Saints or a future expansion team?
  • 6) Which statement do you think best describes Tom Benson's reported desire to not return to New Orleans?
  • 7) Will the Hornets ever return to New Orleans on a full-time basis?
  • 8) Where will the Hornets permanently relocate if they don't return to New Orleans?
  • 9) Should the NBA commit to New Orleans, either via the Hornets or a future expansion team?
  • 10) Will New Orleans ever be the same?

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