New Orleans Saints need a new home

AMERICAN football’s NFL is looking into alternative accommodation for the New Orleans Saints after the Superdome was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

They’re due to play their first home game of the season on September 18, but part of the stadium roof was removed by winds. The venue was being used as an emergency shelter by storm refugees. If it cannot be repaired, the Saints could play their home games in San Antonio or Baton Rouge.

The hurricane has caused widespread devastation since hitting the US on Monday. Much of New Orleans is submerged and there are fears thousands may have died.

The NFL and baseball’s New York Yankees have both donated $1m to relief efforts while tennis star Serena Williams has pledged $100 for each ace she serves for the rest of the year.

“The NFL and its clubs are working on other initiatives to assist in the relief effort,” commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in a statement.

The Saints, who have moved their training area to San Antonio, are due to open their season away to the Carolina Panthers on September 11.

They also spent part of last year training in San Antonio when Hurricane Ivan threatened the region.