New Orleans Saints fans hoping for a glimpse of their team at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium during the preseason might need to temper their expectations. The first game of the NFL preseason traditionally takes place at this iconic venue, honoring the year's Hall of Fame inductees.
On paper, the Saints seem like a natural fit, especially with Drew Brees' connection to the team. It would also give Kellen Moore and his coaching staff a chance to jumpstart their training camp, offering players on the roster bubble more opportunities to shine.
However, there are logistical hurdles to consider. As noted by Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune, the Saints already have a packed travel itinerary this summer.
They're set for two preseason road games, a home game at the Caesars Superdome, and a training camp stint in California. Transporting a 90-man roster along with the coaching staff and equipment isn't just costly-it's a logistical puzzle.
Moreover, Saints fans have felt a bit shortchanged lately. The team is moving a second home game overseas to France in 2026, marking the second such move in five years.
Unlike the Los Angeles Rams, who have been proactive in welcoming fans to training camps in California, the Saints haven't extended similar efforts. For fans in Ohio and beyond, their options to catch the team live are limited to pricey streaming services.
Even if it's the backups like Spencer Rattler and Devin Neal on the field, fans deserve the chance to see their team in action.
Missing the opportunity to play at the Hall of Fame game, especially with Brees' legacy and a statue of the late Tom Benson in attendance, would be a letdown for the fans. Yet, it wouldn't be entirely unexpected. Regardless of what happens in August, the hope is that the Saints' performance in December and January will make this preseason discussion a distant memory.