I know crazed football fans. After all I lived in Philadelphia for almost two years, where fans would tailgate in sub-zero temperatures in set-ups that looked more like full living rooms than parking spots. Then I moved to Dallas, home of America’s team, as my co-worker Kris Gutierrez likes to remind me. None of this I think will prepare me for New Orleans tonight. We flew in this morning and the gate agent promptly welcomed us to “…the Who Dat Nation.” Inside the airport, we walked into a sea of black and gold… as one last chartered flight of fans was getting ready to takeoff to Miami.
Economic experts talk about the Super Bowl being a boon to the host city. Today’s game is also a big windfall to the city of New Orleans, where hotels have been booked up ever since the Saints found out they’d be marching to Miami. It’s a mixture of locals coming downtown to watch the game and party—and former residents coming back for one wild homecoming. Saints gear is flying off the shelves. Last week the team’s gear ranked 6th in the nation for sales.
Last week folks here in the Quarter told us it was worse than any Mardi Gras right after the Saints won the NFC title. It was the first time the city hosted the game and certainly the first time the formerly-known-as-“Ain’ts” have won it. Today when we arrived at our live location in the Quarter at 10am, everyone, without exception, was dressed in black and gold and more than a few were getting their drink on. Churches have cancelled services in anticipation of the game. The beer truck we just passed had 140 kegs on it and was empty by noon. I have seen not one but two guys on stilts. Beads are flying. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like here in a few hours, much less later– if the Saints win. I can only say that if any city knows how to handle a big party, it’s this one.