Saints home schedule set

NFL.com wire reports

(Sept. 12, 2005) -- The New Orleans Saints will return to Louisiana in late October to play four of their last five regular-season home games at Louisiana State University's Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Saints Owner Tom Benson announced.

The announcement was made in Baton Rouge following a meeting there with LSU Chancellor Sean O'Keefe, LSU Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Bernard Boudreaux, and other school officials. Commissioner Tagliabue and Tom Benson also consulted with Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, who was represented at the meeting by Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Chairman Tim Coulon. - NFL Football -

The specific weekend day and kickoff times of the Saints' remaining home games were not determined today. However, the Saints will return to Louisiana for the first time in Week 8 (Oct. 30-31) against the Miami Dolphins. They also will play at LSU's Tiger Stadium in Week 9 (Nov. 6-7) against the Chicago Bears, Week 13 (Dec. 4-5) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Week 15 (Dec. 17-19) against the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints' other three home games will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, starting in Week 4 (October 2-3) against the Buffalo Bills. The Saints also will play in San Antonio in Week 6 (October 16-17) against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 16 (December 24-26) against the Detroit Lions. - NFL Football -

No decision was made today on the site of potential Saints home playoff games this season.

"We had an excellent meeting this morning and quickly developed a dual consensus," Commissioner Tagliabue said. "The first was to continue to give priority to the needs of the region and the second to the scheduling of Saints games in a way that made sense under the total circumstances. Our deep thanks go to Governor Blanco, Chancellor O'Keefe, and Chairman Boudreaux for their support and guidance. We also appreciate the cooperation of the Alamodome officials and the hospitality of the people of San Antonio for their support of the Saints at this difficult time." - NFL Football -

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