Via Steve J. at Angry in the Great White North, CNN is reporting that the Superdome may be torn down:

The Louisiana Superdome was so heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath that it likely will have to be torn down, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco.

Katrina sheared away much of the roof’s covering, and rainwater began leaking into the stadium when it was being used as a shelter of last resort for thousands of residents stranded by the storm.

Josh McClain at Fanblogs.com has more and notes the profound impact the loss of the Superdome will have on college football.

The Superdome is the current home of Tulane Football, as well as the Nokia Sugar Bowl, the State Farm Bayou Classic as well as the Wyndham New Orleans Bowl.

Update: JuiceNewsDaily has a good history of the Superdome.

This AP story contradicts CNN:

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – A Superdome official insisted Tuesday there were no plans to tear down the building that housed evacuees during Hurricane Katrina and was damaged by the storm.

Doug Thornton, regional manager for the company that runs the Superdome, said it would take 45 to 60 days for teams to assess the damage to the indoor stadium, which included a leaking roof, problems with electrical and mechanical systems, and loads of human waste left behind after those who rode out Katrina inside were moved elsewhere.

He said that while there was “no doubt” that the Superdome suffered damage, its structural integrity remained intact, and there was no truth to rumors that officials have decided to tear it down.

“To say that the Dome has to be torn down at this point is purely conjecture and speculation,” Thornton said.

Another report: Superdome likely to be torn down