The New Orleans Saints' 2009 season may be sold out with a waiting list of over 50,000 fans, but Louisiana Lottery players will still get a chance at tickets when a Saints-branded scratch-off game is launched in early September. The Lottery announced plans today for a partnership with the New Orleans Saints that will also include once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences as second-chance prizes.

"Imagine touring the Saints practice facility, having lunch with the Saints' head coach, enjoying the season in plaza sideline seats or getting VIP access to pregame field activities or a clubroom in the Superdome," said Lottery President Rose Hudson. "These are just some of the ways the Lottery will give Saints fans a reason to smile this football season when we launch a $5 game featuring the team."

In addition to tickets, autographed memorabilia, and other Saints fan experiences, the sponsorship also gives the Lottery premium advertising positioning on the Saints Web site, Superdome exterior and interior signage, in-game advertisements, as well as the use of Saints marks and logos in its scratch-off game and related advertising.

"We look forward to working with the Louisiana Lottery to bring this new co-branded game to our fans and Lottery players," said Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc.  "This partnership will generate both excitement and revenue for important state programs funded through the Louisiana Lottery every year."

The Saints scratch-off game is scheduled to go on sale Sept. 8. While details have not been finalized, the Lottery said the game will feature a top cash prize of $100,000 and a cash payout percentage that is typical of its $5 product. The Saints fan experience prizes will be lagniappe, given away through a series of four second-chance drawings where players send in nonwinning tickets as entries.

By law, at least 35 percent of Lottery game sales is transferred to the state treasury department and earmarked for public education. Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.