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NFL Commissioner Goodell to Take Part in Honoring Tom & Gayle Benson

NEW ORLEANS – The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation announced NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be a featured speaker, remembering Tom Benson and honoring the legacy of Gayle Benson at the Sports Foundation Honors Luncheon, which will induct both into the Hall of Fame in September.

The annual event, presented by Hancock Whitney and New Orleans & Company, takes place on Thursday, Sept. 12, on the turf of Caesars Superdome, happening just five months out from Super Bowl LIX. The Super Bowl-centric version of the Honors Luncheon will pay tribute to the enduring legacy and leadership of Gayle Benson and her late husband, Tom Benson, share updates on Super Bowl LIX planning, and provide an opportunity for NFL leadership to discuss the history of Super Bowl in New Orleans and what to expect in February 2025.

As part of the annual celebration, the Bensons, longtime Saints and Pelicans owners and philanthropists, will be inducted into the Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. The Bensons have worked closely with the Sports Foundation to bid upon, manage and promote four Super Bowls, four NCAA Men’s Final Fours, three NBA All-Star Games, and several other major sporting events.

“I am honored to help induct Tom and Gayle into the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. This recognition is a testament to a lifetime of dedication and passion for this great city and the uniting power of football,” said Goodell. “With this year’s game, New Orleans will share the distinction of hosting the Super Bowl more often than any other city. The community knows how to throw a party and present a great game. We cannot wait to return to New Orleans in February.”

“I am honored and humbled to be inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame along with my late husband, Tom. This recognition reflects my 21 years with the Saints, and Tom’s 30-plus years of passion we have both had to serve our city through sports. I am proud of the profound impact the New Orleans Saints have had on our city,” said Gayle Benson, owner and governor of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. “As we look forward to February, I am excited for Roger Goodell to share the latest updates on Super Bowl events. We have a seasoned and professional staff and host committee that will ensure hosting Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 is one of our greatest achievements yet.”

As the Sports Foundation reflects on New Orleans’ storied history of hosting 10 previous Super Bowls, they are excited to highlight the outstanding work being done in anticipation of the record-tying 11th Super Bowl in February 2025, showcasing the city’s commitment to excellence in sports and hospitality and exemplifying the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee’s motto – “it’s what we do.”

To underscore the national importance of the big game, the Honors Luncheon will bring together veterans from the NFL’s prior and current senior event management team for an engaging panel discussion centered around the history of Super Bowl in New Orleans and what to expect for Super Bowl LIX. Former NFL Special Events Vice Presidents Jim Steeg and Frank Supovitz join current NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business and International & League Events Peter O’Reilly and Sports Foundation and Super Bowl LIX Host Committee President & CEO Jay Cicero on stage together for the first time to share legendary moments, stories and insights from their experiences orchestrating Super Bowls in New Orleans.

“The addition of Commissioner Goodell to the programming of the Honors Luncheon underscores the NFL’s trust in the Saints and the Sports Foundation to lead the effort to host our record-tying 11th Super Bowl,” said Jay Cicero, Sports Foundation president and CEO and Super Bowl LIX executive director. “The Bensons, Saints staff, and the NFL are longtime friends, supporters and partners. Together, we’ve hosted the last four Super Bowls and countless other events.”

The Sports Foundation has hosted some of the largest sporting events in the world, including four Super Bowls, four NCAA Men’s Final Fours, three NCAA Women’s Final Fours, and three NBA All-star Games and two WrestleManias, showcasing New Orleans’ versatility and expertise in bidding upon and managing large-scale sporting events for the economic benefit to Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. The rich history of events orchestrated by the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation benefits the city and state, generating billions in economic impact and has elevated Louisiana and New Orleans as a unique and memorable destination for major sports events.

Tables for the Honors Luncheon are available at www.honorsluncheon.com.  Learn more about the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation’s mission at www.gnosports.com.

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