New Orleans, La. -
"Benson Tower Studio 8" is open for business. Tom and Gayle Benson cut the ribbon Thursday morning on FOX 8's second home, steps away from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
"It's really going to be something," said Benson, sitting at a news desk shaped like a football.
After nine months under construction, Benson and his wife saw it for the very first time.
"It's overwhelming, it's so pretty. It's the prettiest thing I've ever seen," Mrs. Benson said.
The 5,800 square feet of studio space is online and ready for live broadcasts, just in time for Saints season.
FOX 8 Chief Engineer Al Domescik says the possibilities are endless. "It's connected to Champions Square, it's connected to the Dome and it's a stand-alone studio," he said.
Some FOX 8 newscasts and sports specials will air live from the new studio, with an unobstructed view of the Superdome and the Arena. Its glass windows make you feel as if you're in Champions Square. It's a perfect spot to capture tailgaters.
"This will showcase what we do, " said FOX 8 News Director Mikel Schaefer. "It will be the backdrop for what people are using as a symbol of recovery here."
Benson's vision of this entertainment complex spans years.
"Nobody had an idea before Katrina that we'd be involved down here. When this became available, we saw a lot of things that could happen.
Rita Benson LeBlanc calls the second-floor corner studio over Champions Square perfect.
"I might want to move my office down here," Tom Benson said gazing at the view.
Tom and Gayle Benson, sitting on the set of "Studio 8"
