Family, friends, and fans of Saints owner Tom Benson will gather Wednesday to pay their last respects.
Remembering A Saint: Tom Benson's funeral arrangements
A public visitation in his honor begins at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Seminary.
The visitation will last until 7 p.m. Wednesday night, and will continue Thursday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Thousands are expected to attend the visitation to remember the full life Benson lived.
He was born in New Orleans and graduated in 1944 from what is now known as Brother Martin High School. He built his business from the ground up, eventually becoming the richest man in Louisiana.
Most people around the world know him for purchasing the New Orleans Saints in the mid 80s.
He bought The Saints to keep the team from leaving the city. He also kept the team in New Orleans after Katrina.
Just a few years after the hurricane he was able to witness his team win their first Super Bowl.
Six years ago, Benson also bought The Pelicans to keep the team from leaving the city as well.
Players from both teams have been reflecting on Benson's life.
Saints punter Thomas Morstead recalled seeing Benson at practice every day, sitting on a little stool and cheering on his players.
The public is welcome to attend the visitation.
Benson's funeral will be held Friday at the St. Louis Cathedral.
Due to space restrictions, the funeral mass will be for invited guests. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Notre Dame Seminary or St. Louis Cathedral are preferred.
The funeral, which is scheduled for noon, is not open to the public but Fox 8 will carry the service on-air and online.
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