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The New Orleans Saints Suite Holders descended on the team's practice facility this afternoon for an action packed day that featured a unique opportunity to talk football with Saints' Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc and Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis, among others.
Shortly after arriving at the team's dining facilities, which adjoins the team's indoor practice facility, the suite holders were greeted by members of the Saints' front office staff and presented with a welcome reception and also with their prized suite tickets for the season, as well as with several other premium gifts, all presented uniquely in a custom Saints tote that drew an appreciative nod from the 200 collected patrons. Former Saints Pro Bowl wide receiver and return specialist Michael Lewis, who now serves as an ambassador for the Black-and-Gold, also displayed his loquacious side and enjoyed his time visiting with the guests.
LeBlanc thanked the suite holders for their commitment and support of the team and also spoke about the well-received unique suite holder events the Saints hosted this past off-season for the suite holders, which included a well attended social/business networking event and also a Saints Football Experience in the Saints' indoor facility. LeBlanc stressed the importance that the individuals, families and businesses that support the team play in the overall scheme of the Saints bright future in New Orleans. Saints Vice President of Ticket & Suite Sales Michael Stanfield and Cindy Hart, the Director of Suite Sales, Services & Special Events also spoke to the assembled suite holders and talked to them about customer service and opportunities for the upcoming 2009 season.
Following the reception, Loomis addressed the assembly of VIP guests and shared his thoughts on what has transpired over the first four days of training camp, shared with the guests about what training camp is like for the players, their normal routines and the stresses and rigors associated with the month-long total football odyssey, succinctly summing it up this way, "To be 100% honest with you, players hate training camp," Loomis said. "It's grueling, there is tension for roster spots and there is a lot of anxiety, plus it's physically taxing."
Loomis also talked about some of the more intriguing positions battles, touched on the negotiations with Saints first round draft choice Malcolm Jenkins, and several other subjects. He also answered questions from the suite holders and was warmly thanked with an ovation following his address.
The Suite Holders also were then escorted into the team's indoor practice facility, where they enjoyed sideline access to the team's afternoon practice session. The Saints' VIP guests were able to get a tremendous feel for the speed and intensity of a pro football practice as it unfolded just a few yards in front of them.
For more information on how you can join the exclusive ranks of the New Orleans Saints Suite Holders, please click here. A limited number of Saints Suites at the Superdome are still available, but going fast. The team's first home game of the season is just over a week-and-a-half away!
