Dear and near: The Superdome & New Orleans Saints

You don’t need to live near the Superdome to recognize the significance of the iconic NFL stadium to the people of New Orleans. When the New Orleans Saints (0-2) take on the Atlanta Falcons (1-1) Monday night, the game will also mark the 10-year reunion of the broadcast record-breaking Monday Night Football matchup between the Saints and Falcons  that marked the return of the Mercedes Benz Superdome following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina. 

During Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, the Dome was the largest evacuation center in Superdome_near_and_dear_to_New_Orleans_Deanies_Seafood_Restaurant.jpgNew Orleans, sheltering some 14,000 people and providing a refuge in the days after for the thousands whose homes were flooded during the storm. In September 2006, a pre-game performance by U2 and Greenday on Sept. 14 marked the official reopening of the Superdome and return of the Saints after a year in exile. The game is remembered for the moving tribute to New Orleans’ recovery with the bands’ performance of Greenday’s newly released song, “The Saints are Coming.” New Orleans musicians Big Sam Williams of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band and New Birth Brass Band also were part of the festivities. The Saints went on to win 23-3 and the broadcast was seen by 14,999,000−a record for an ESPN-broadcasted Monday Night Football game.

The Falcons–Saints rivalry is one of the oldest and most established divisional rivalries in the NFL. The Falcons are 3.5 point underdogs for the matchup against the Saints.

Several restaurants and hotels near the Superdome

The Mercedes Benz Superdome is close to several hotels and restaurants in New Orleans, including Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant’s French Quarter location on Iberville and Dauphine streets. The Superdome is centrally located in the Central Business District of Downtown New Orleans. The Dome is home of the New Orleans Saints, the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Bayou Classic and the Sugar Bowl Prep Classic.

Designed in 1967, the Mercedes Benz Superdome was constructed in 1975 and remains the largest fixed dome steel-constructed structure in the world, reaching 27 stories at its peak and covering 13 acres of open space.

An easy walk to the French Quarter, on gameday, the party continues at nearby sports bars and along Bourbon Street−two blocks from Deanie’s in the French Quarter−as fans make their way to celebrate their team’s win or drown their sorrows.

FALL IN NEW ORLEANS

As yesterday was the First Day of Fall, football is just one of the many things to enjoy in New Orleans. Check out our Top Picks for Fall NOLA Events! 

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superdome home to numerous large events

The Superdome has hosted six Super Bowls, more than any other facility of its kind, and a multitude of other events, concerts and conventions, including the annual Essence Festival. The 2017 NBA All-Star festivities will take place at the Smoothie King Center, Champions Square and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in February.

The Superdome also was host to memorable events such as the Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks’ matchup Sept. 15, 1978 and what would hold the record for the world’s largest indoor concert for over three decades−the Rolling Stones’ Dec. 5, 1981 concert that drew 87,500 fans. The Superdome also hosted the 1988 Republican National Convention and Pope John Paul II’s 1987 visit in which he addressed 80,000 followers.

Saints 2016 Football Schedule

Sep 11 (LOSS) Raiders 35 Saints 34
       
Sep 18  (LOSS) Saints 13 Giants 16
       
Sept 26 (LOSS) Saints 32 Falcons 45
       
Oct 2 (WIN) Saints  35 Chargers 34
       
    BYE  
       
Oct 16 (WIN) Saints 41 Panthers 38
       
Oct 23 12:00PM CDT (LOSS) Saints 21 Chiefs 27
       
Oct 30 12:00PM CDT (WIN) Saints 25 Seahawks 20
       
Nov 6 3:05PM CST Saints 49ers
       
Nov 13 12:00PM CST Saints Broncos
       
Nov 17 7:25PM CST Saints Panthers
       
Nov 27 12:00PM CST Saints Rams
       
Dec 4 12:00PM CST Saints Lions
       
Dec 11 12:00PM CST Saints Buccaneers
       
Dec 18 3:05PM CST Saints Cardinals
       
Dec 24 12:00PM CST Saints Buccaneers
       
Jan 1 12:00PM CST Saints @ Falcons

 

*Schedule courtesy of the New Orleans Saints

 

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