I'm not sure if this came up in the Katrina thread, but either way, it's a topic all its own. With all the pain and suffering that is taking place right now, there are 1,001 more important things to worry about than the fate of an aging concrete bowl. Nevertheless, the Superdome was an American landmark, of sorts, having hosted the Super Bowl, the Final Four, the Sugar Bowl, and even appearing in some movies. It's alternating colored panels above the top level of seats near the roof were unmistakable. It's amazing that a place that had so often been a place of happiness and celebration was reduced to poisoned house of horrors, and it will probably be one of the most enduring images of the tragedy as years pass.
I posted on another board last week that, even if it could be repaired, it might be best to tear it down anyway. How could people come to the facility and enjoy themselves after what has happened there? I don't think it would ever escape the stigma of last week, and the people would have it sitting there as a reminder.
Superdome likely to be torn down
Governor reportedly says it was too badly damaged during Katrina to repair
NBCSports.com news services
Updated: 9:10 p.m. ET Sept. 6, 2005
The Louisiana Superdome was so heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath that it likely will have to be torn down, CNN.com reported Tuesday, citing a a spokesperson for Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.
Katrina sheared away much of the roof's covering, and water leaked into the stadium when it was used as a shelter for thousands of stranded residents.
The home of the New Orleans Saints is also the site of the annual Sugar Bowl and has hosted such events as the Super Bowl and college basketball's Final Four.
© 2005 NBC Sports.com