Saints owner backs plan to play at LSU

SAN ANTONIO -- Saints owner Tom Benson, who drew criticism for his silence concerning where the team should play home games in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, prefers to call Baton Rouge home.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Benson echoed players and coaches who've said they prefer to play in Tiger Stadium on the LSU campus. Benson said he told the NFL he would like the Saints to play there "to the extent circumstances allow."

The league has been in contact with LSU and Baton Rouge officials and hopes the Saints eventually will be able to play home games there.

There are logistical issues potentially blocking the Saints from playing some early-season home dates at 92,000-seat Tiger Stadium about 80 miles northwest of their longtime home, the storm-damaged Louisiana Superdome. The LSU campus currently is home to relief efforts that even forced the Tigers to postpone their first home game and move their second one this Saturday to Arizona State.

Benson also assured season ticket holders they will be refunded if they are unable to attend games.

-- AP