Superdome Could Be Ready in ’06

The Superdome, heavily damaged when Hurricane Katrina hit Aug. 29, can be repaired and ready to reopen for major football events by Nov. 1, a consultant’s report says.

Repair costs are estimated at about $140 million and most of that is expected to be covered by the state’s insurance and by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The renovation will include extensive improvements to the building that can be done at the time at a lower cost.

“If everything goes well, we will have the Dome football-ready in November. The seating areas, locker rooms and press box will be ready and up to NFL standards,” said Doug Thornton, regional vice president of SMG, the company that manages the facility.

A Nov. 1 opening would allow the state-owned facility to again host the Sugar Bowl, the annual Bayou Classic game between Southern University and Grambling State, the New Orleans Bowl and state high school championships -- lucrative games that had to be scheduled elsewhere this year.

Also, a Nov. 1 opening would enable the NFL’s Saints and Tulane University to play November and December home games in the Superdome.

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Buffalo receiver Eric Moulds returned to practice after serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team following an apparent sideline disagreement with an assistant coach during Buffalo’s 24-23 loss at Miami on Dec. 4.

Quarterback J.P. Losman didn’t practice because of an injured right shoulder that could force him to miss the Bills’ game Saturday night against Denver.... Atlanta Coach Jim Mora remained optimistic that the bruised ribs quarterback Michael Vick suffered Monday night will not keep him out of Sunday’s game at Chicago.... Chicago waived return specialist Bobby Wade after deciding he fumbled too much.... New England released running back Michael Cloud for the second time this season.