Tom Benson

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Owner Honored with Monument

TOMS RIVER, NJ (September 18, 2014) – It was an emotional day for New Orleans Saints & Pelicans Owner Tom Benson and his family as a larger-than-life statue of Benson was unveiled on September 2nd on the landing overlooking Champions Square outside of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

“Oh, that’s real nice,” an emotional Benson said.  “I never did think this would happen.  I’m so pleased.  Thank you all very much.”

Among those in attendance were New Orleans Saints President Dennis Lauscha, GM Mickey Loomis, Head Coach Sean Payton, Quarterback Drew Brees, Pelicans GM Dell Demps, several Pelicans players, Lousiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Mayor Mitch Landrieu, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond.

The monument, created by sculptor Brian P. Hanlon and Hanlon Sculpture Studio, consists of nearly 12,000 pounds of bronze and granite, featuring a 9.5-foot tall bronze sculpture of Mr. Benson presenting the Lombardi Trophy to the fans of New Orleans, a 4-foot engraved granite base, and a 20-foot by 8-foot illustrative panel design featuring a 4-foot stainless steel fleur de lis.

Hanlon expressed his admiration for Mr. Benson in a statement detailing the importance of creating this historical monument for the New Orleans community.
“I’m so honored to be here once again paying tribute to one of America’s true icons. So much of what I know about this man I learned while creating the statue of Steve Gleason.This is a fiercely competitive, but also compassionate man who cares about his players like they are his family.  This is a man who understands the essence and importance of community, and he has shown that time and again with his actions.  This plaza represents Mr. Benson’s desire to win, his efforts to bring pride and stature to the City of New Orleans, overcoming adversity, and a passion for community.”

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About Hanlon Sculpture Studio

Brian P. Hanlon is a classically-trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio; a full-service art studio that designs, creates, and installs awe-inspiring and signature monuments featuring bronze, aluminum, stainless steel and granite sculptures, illustrative and informational graphics, and interactive kiosks.

Hanlon Sculpture Studio provides complete site design services from sculptures to hard and softscapes, and offers total project management from design to installation and unveiling.  In collaboration with administrative and athletic staff at colleges and universities, the studio develops the scope of artwork projects that are designed to enhance the spirit, pride and tradition of athletics and the campus community.