Fans rally behind New Orleans Saints as the franchise's tickets remain in huge demand - NFL News
New Orleans Saints fans have stuck with their team through great days as the franchise lifted its first Super Bowl title and now they are sticking with their team through the potentially dark days ahead.
The Saints are currently reeling under the effects of the bounty scandal punishments as their head coach, Sean Payton, has been suspended for lying to league investigators about the bounty programme while both the franchise’s general manager, Mickey Loomis
and assistant coach, Joe Vitt, will miss a few games due to suspension.
That is not even half of the problems facing the Saints.
Two of the Saints best players on defence face suspensions for their leading roles in implementing the bounty regime.
Saints defence captain and linebacker, Jonathan Vilma, faces a season long suspension while defensive end, Will Smith, will miss out on four games.
The defence though is not the only problem.
The heartbeat of the New Orleans Saints offence and quarterback, Drew Brees, remains in a tussle with the franchise over a new long-term deal and has till now refused to sign his franchise tag.
However, all these problems have not dissuaded the Saints fans from buying up season tickets.
The Saints have a 99.6% renewal rate according to Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel who tweeted the number on Sunday.
“New Orleans and Saints fans continue to defy odds and lead the NFL in overall attendance by FAR- Saints fans are the best in the NFL - bar none...even during a tough offseason, Saints fans continue to lead the way with a 99.6% renewal rate and a waiting
list to buy suites”
Sales of tickets last year were also through the roof with the Saints Mercedes-Benz Superdome having the highest average attendance in the league.
Brees is likely to agree to a new long-term deal soon and if that scenario does not play out the quarterback will sign his franchise tender as he refuses to miss out on the regular season.
With Brees at the helm, the Saints will be strong contenders next year no matter what the odds and with the fans behind them completely, New Orleans will likely mount a strong challenge for the Super Bowl once again.
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