In 1993, the state approved the refinancing of the Louisiana Superdome’s original construction bonds. This produced a $215 million package for a number of public facilities in the New Orleans Area. The entire package is supported by a four percent hotel/motel tax that was originally dedicated to the Superdome bond debt. This method of funding new and improved facilities at no cost to the local taxpayers was a somewhat new concept when it was instituted to build the $163 million Superdome. Included in the $215 million package was $20.5 million dedicated to Superdome improvements. In addition to the Superdome improvements were:

• Construction of new training facility for the New Orleans Saints
• Construction of New Orleans Arena
• Construction of Zephyr Field
• Construction of John A. Alario Sr. Event Center
• Expansion of Ponchartrain Center
• Improvement of Jefferson Parish Recreation Facility & Joe Brown Memorial Park

The complex is a joint venture between the State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish, and Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (LSED). The LSED is a state agency/political subdivision comprised of seven members appointed by the governor. The board’s primary purpose is to plan, finance, construct, develop, maintain and operate facilities located within the District for events of public interest. The LSED is responsible for the John A. Alario Sr. Event Center, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans Saints Training Facility, TPC Louisiana, and Zephyr Field. For more information on the LSED please visit: www.lsedgov.com