Collins was a longtime supporter of New Orleans sports who is credited with creating the New Orleans Sports Awards and forming the awards committee in 1958.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl presented 2006 Jimmy Collins Awards to
Doug Thornton and to the
New Orleans Saints Fans.
The rebuilding and reopening of the Louisiana Superdome stands as one of the most remarkable and significant moments in the recent history of New Orleans, most certainly in what we all know as Post-Katrina.
Thornton, the regional vice president for the Dome’s management company, SMG, was the “point man” throughout, starting with the storm itself, when Thornton and some of his staff members assisted the National Guard and Office of Emergency Preparedness officials while the Superdome served as a refuge of last resort for those who had no means of avoiding the wrath of the storm.
The day after the last of an estimated 30,000 evacuees departed, Thornton was in contact with LSED Chairman Tim Coulon to begin post-Katrina planning. On Sept. 9, less than two weeks after the storm struck, Thornton was back in the Superdome with a group of remediation contractors, starting the process to bring the Dome back.
Just eight days later, Thornton brought in a team of engineers and architects who quickly determined the Dome was structurally sound. What followed was the biggest reconstruction project ever undertaken in the history of stadiums in America. It was backed by a bond refinancing arrangement that drew national acclaim and enabled the state to make $51 million in improvements while the Dome was shut down for construction.
The challenges were unprecedented. Thornton and his staff worked around the clock, coordinating the effort on all fronts while also reopening the New Orleans Arena. Despite severe damage to his own home, Thornton stayed the course. His perseverance and dedication made the impossible seem possible to those who worked with him. He didn’t have time for the doubters. Several of his key staff members also suffered severe losses, and they stayed in lock step, determined to breathe life back into the massive building.
It took a massive effort, with support from the state in fast-tracking the process. After remediation was completed, some 35 subcontractors and 850 workers swung into action, with less than seven months to get it done.
Their purpose was twofold—to bring our teams and events back home, and to have the Superdome serve as the symbol of the rebirth of one of America’s great cities.
The world was watching and the messages were clearly sent on Sept. 25, 2006—that day in history--before a national television audience and an international press corps. It was an unforgettable night. New Orleans had its icon back. The fans had their Superdome back.
Standing on the floor of the Superdome that memorable day, Gov. Kathleen Blanco said, “What I’m seeing here is a miracle.”
A miracle, thanks to some miracle workers and their untiring leader, Doug Thornton.
