Visitation for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson begins

By The Associated Press
March 21 2018 09:09 AM

CP1743033809 — A person waiting in line holds a program, as members of the public queue up for the viewing of NFL New Orleans Saints and NBA New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson, at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Benson died Last Thursday at the age of 90. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

NEW ORLEANS – Dozens lined up outside a New Orleans seminary to pay their final respects to Saints owner Tom Benson.

Some broke into song — “When the Saints Go Marching In” — as they began filing into Notre Dame Seminary.

Benson’s body will lie in repose there during two days of public visitation: Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A private funeral Mass is set for noon Friday at St. Louis Cathedral. The 90-year-old Benson’s death was announced last Thursday. He had been hospitalized since Feb. 16 with flu symptoms.

Benson bought the NFL’s Saints in 1985. Under his ownership, the team achieved its first winning seasons and a Super Bowl championship. He also owned the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.

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The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.