What They Are Saying…
“I want to state unequivocally that throughout my dealings with Tulane representatives, and there have been many, dating back to 2007, the announcement of the stadium in December 2011 was decided only after the majority of funds for the project were committed by various donors, including my family. That fundraising milestone was achieved in the fall of 2011, at which time the stadium project was announced with a 2014 completion date.”
-Jill Glazer, Tulane Trustee, in a letter to the New Orleans City Council, May 17, 2012
“The governing body of the Tulane Alumni Association (TAA) wholeheartedly and enthusiastically supports the construction of the new on-campus Tulane Stadium, which will be an important addition to the rebuilding of New Orleans… Many TAA members remember the days of the old Tulane Stadium and how the uptown community rallied around the Green Wave on football Saturdays. The new stadium will bring back those days. It will foster a sense of community and give a boost to local businesses while providing the Green Wave faithful and neighbors an appropriately scaled venue…A new stadium will encourage our many alumni to return and support not only their alma mater but also the city we all love.” Read Full Letter of Support
- Michelle A. Rinehart, Washington, DC, President, TAA Board of Directors
– Sharon K. Bourgeois, Lafayette, LA, President-Elect, TAA Board of Directors
“Tulane is truly a world-class institution and nearly a quarter of its student body makes Louisiana their home…. the planned stadium will undoubtedly help Tulane in its efforts to recruit and retain the students it needs to further grow and prosper as a premier academic institution…..I join Mayor Landrieu, the Saints, and many others in seeking a timely resolution to any roadblocks impeding Tulane’s progression. Endorsing Tulane’s expansion is a step in a progressive direction not just for the University, but for the city of New Orleans and the great state of Louisiana. I truly hope we can expedite a resolution to bring Green Wave football back to Tulane’s campus, where it belongs.”
-Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA) (May 9, 2012 letter sent to the members of City Council)
“Lest you forget or never knew: If Tulane had not had an 80,000-seat stadium, which happened to be on campus, there would be no Saints or Sugar Bowl, none of the early Super Bowls here and possibly no Superdome.
Would there be objection to six or seven Saturday Tulane games and then eight to 10 Saints Sundays (1967-75) and the Sugar Bowl once a year?”
-Sam Threefoot, M.D. (letter to the editor in the May 9, 2012 issue of the Times-Picayune)
“The New Orleans Saints wholeheartedly support plans to build a new stadium on the Tulane University campus. Our team knows firsthand that strong fan support can make a tremendous difference on the playing field. But most importantly, it builds community spirit and cohesiveness and allows New Orleans and Tulane University the unique opportunity to showcase not only our great city but this great school. And add to that the positive economic impact it can have on our local economy. It is our hope that all issues can be resolved to allow the Green Wave to return home, where it belongs.”
-New Orleans Saints (statement issued on May 3, 2012)
Testimonials
“This project will further strengthen the partnership with New Orleans that has defined Tulane since Katrina. It will continue our efforts to empower others to build a better New Orleans. This is an ‘all hands on deck’ moment for Tulane alumni, fans, supporters and everyone who recognizes the value of athletics and community in the lives of our neighborhood children. We need everyone’s help to make the Tulane Community Stadium a reality.”
-Scott Cowen, President, Tulane University
“The Tulane Community Stadium will unite the athletic and academic missions of Tulane and create a true home field that will change the student’s experience. The stadium will be built with dedicated private donations and will have a significant and positive impact on our operating economics with income from concessions, advertising and additional ticket sales. It will also provide an economic boost to the area during the construction phase and for years to come.”
- Board of Tulane President Jay Lapeyre
“An on-campus stadium is the ultimate tool for recruiting the best student-athletes and coaches. There’s nothing like it to boost the esprit de corps of a campus and community. This just makes sense for the university in terms of community bonding, athletics and financial stability.”
- Tulane Athletic Director Rick Dickson
“An on-campus stadium for Tulane University would provide a true home field advantage not only for future teams, but for the fans and the entire Tulane and New Orleans community. It is important for our program to have a central location on campus where we can bring the excitement of Green Wave Football and celebrate together. Once completed, I believe the stadium will be the crown jewel of the Tulane campus, as well as a defining point of our great city, and a magnificent place for recruits to visit.”
-Curtis Johnson, Tulane Head Football Coach (to learn more about Tulane’s new Head Football Coach, click here)
“For me to say that the students are excited about a new stadium would truly be an understatement. I think sometimes people forget about Tulane’s decorated athletic history. A stadium is the major missing piece of the puzzle for us to reclaim that rich tradition. It’ll be great to actually have homecoming at home from now on. Roll Wave.”
-Evan Nicoll B’12, former President to the Undergraduate Student Government
“The fact that Tulane football is getting a brand new stadium back on campus is going to be great not only for the players but for the entire program. I believe it’s going to bring a new excitement and enthusiasm into the players, fans and students as well. More people will be able to attend games creating a home field advantage for our team, a new identity and an unforgettable atmosphere for the players, students and most of all the fans. Having an on-campus stadium will be invaluable.”
-Matt Forte, B’08, running back, Chicago Bears
“This is a great time for our Green Wave community. The new stadium will bring us all memories to share throughout generations of students, families, friends and fans. Being on campus is a national statement that says ‘Tulane Football is committed to excellence and success on the playing field’. Wow, it is truly great to be a Tulanian!”
-Mewelde Moore, B’04, running back, Pittsburgh Steelers
“The one thing absent from my Tulane experience was an on-campus stadium we could defend and truly call our own. I am very excited to learn, through the gracious contributions of many Greenies that experience will be available to future students, athletes and alumni.”
-Shaun King, B’99, former Tulane/NFL quarterback
“An on-campus stadium will create a true collegiate atmosphere and a real home field advantage. A place for the players, students and fans to call home. It will also help with recruiting both players and coaches.”
-Kevin Hebert, longtime Tulane fan and member of the Tulane Greenbackers