Saints owner donates $11 million to Hall of Fame
CLEVELAND - New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson has pledged $11 million in donations to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The Hall announced Benson's two gifts Monday, saying the contributions are the largest by any individual in the institution's 51-year history.
"This is a donation that I feel very strongly about," Benson said in a statement. "I have taken great pride in the recovery and renaissance of my home city, New Orleans, not only prior to but, more importantly, post-Katrina. We have done great things in our city, and today we can proudly present New Orleans as a city that is a role model to other communities. We are proud of that. So when approached to make a donation to the Pro Football of Fame in Canton, Ohio, I did not think long at all about why we should help."
Benson says it's important to ''recognize the origins of our game and embrace the future.''
The Hall says $10 million will be earmarked to the immediate renovation of adjacent Fawcett Stadium, which will be renamed Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
"Tom Benson's leadership has been instrumental in the NFL's success and growth for nearly 30 years, as owner of the Saints, including more than 20 years as chairman of the league's Finance Committee," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "His generous gift to the Hall of Fame will forever link Tom's legacy to the game he loves and the legends who helped build it."
Benson made a $1 million donation after learning of plans for a Hall of Fame Village. It includes a residence for Hall of Famers and former NFL players, a sports and entertainment complex, hotel and conference center, a youth center and playing fields.
- With files from theScore