NEW ORLEANS – Eager Georgia and Notre Dame fans poured into the Superdome Thursday afternoon, cheering on their beloved Bulldogs and Irish without any fear of the terrorism that had struck just blocks away.
The College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal game between No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame began about 20 hours late, following a one-man attack on pedestrians in the French Quarter.
The sugar bowl was scheduled for 7:45 p.m. CST on Wednesday before a U.S. Army veteran from Texas plowed his rented van into revelers around 3:15 a.m. on Bourbon Street, killing more than a dozen New Year’s Eve revelers. .
Wednesday’s attack prompted the postponement of the Sugar Bowl with local law enforcement resources dedicated to the crime scene, less than a mile from the Sugar Bowl Superdome site. Fans held a moment of silence for the victims before kickoff on Thursday.
The odd start time, a little after 3 p.m. on a weekday, could have caused crowds to arrive late, as some parts of the upper levels of the Superdome did not immediately fill up for this national quarterfinal match. .
But the unusual surroundings didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the fans in attendance.
“The police presence is extensive, New Orleans knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to a big party,” said BJ Barnett Barnnett, a 42-year-old Georgia fan who drove to the game from his home in Athens.
“Damn terrorist, they won’t make us lose any football game. “Those dogs are going to win, that’s what we do.”
Fans didn’t seem to mind the downside of increased security.
“I feel the incident was isolated but very unfortunate. The time it took me to park shows that there was a concentrated effort to mitigate any risk that might occur,” said Kelvin Jones, 40, who drove 90 minutes from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Wednesday and Thursday to attend the game. “I feel safe.”
The block of Bourbon Street, where local and federal investigators have been searching for evidence, reopened before kickoff.
“This city will be back, it will be open to family, friends and loved ones who want some time to relax from the pressures of life,” Gov. Jeff Landry told reporters Thursday.
New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said visitors will see many of her officers on duty in the neighborhood.
“People are going to see an incredibly large police presence and we have confidence. But we want our community to feel safe and know that they have confidence” that the French Quarter will be safe, added New Orleans’ top cop.
Less than 24 hours ago, local and federal officials warned that the suspect had accomplices.
“I know something can change again,” Landry said. “However, here’s what I do know: Right now, this is one of the safest places in the world.”
The deadly attack raised questions about future high-profile events in New Orleans, particularly the Super Bowl, which is scheduled for Feb. 9 at the Superdome.
New Orleans has long been one of the NFL’s favorite cities for its championship game, which has been played 10 times in the Big Easy: three at Tulane University and seven in the Superdome. No place has hosted more Super Bowls than the Superdome.
The Bourbon Street attack has not shaken the NFL’s confidence in New Orleans as the Super Bowl host city.
The league, in a statement Wednesday, said it remains “confident that attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience” in five and a half weeks.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Jesse Kirsch and Deon J. Hampton reported from New Orleans and David K. Li in New York City.
