Admin January 1, 2025
Sugar Bowl postponed in wake of New Orleans tragedy
Athens Banner-Herald writer Marc Weiszer discusses how the Sugar Bowl will be affected after the tragic attack that took place in New Orleans.
Sports Pulse
The NFL and the Saints are attempting to ease anxieties over potential worries of the safety and security of Super Bowl 59.
On Wednesday morning, 10 people were killed and 35 were injured after a deadly truck attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. In turn, the Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled to be played on Wednesday night at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was postponed to Thursday night.
With some mounting anxieties over the security of the Super Bowl – also scheduled to be played in the Superdome in February – the NFL issued a statement, offering support to the victims and those affected, while also allaying fears over the safety of the event.
“The NFL and the local host committee have been working collaboratively with local, state and federal agencies the past two years and have developed comprehensive security plans,” the league said in a statement. “These planning sessions will continue as they do with all major NFL events and we are confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
Super Bowl 59 is set for Sunday, Feb. 9.
The New Orleans Saints also released a statement, offering support to the community.
“New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to support one another, to honor those affected, and to work toward healing as a community,” the Saints said in a joint statement with the Pelicans.
Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi also spoke at length on the attacks.
“Today is, obviously, a very somber day in our community. I want to send out my personal heartfelt condolences, thoughts, prayers to all the victims…it goes without saying this was senseless and hard to understand,” Rizzi said.
“It hits home with me personally. I have five children between the ages of 17 and 26, and I can tell you early this morning, the first thing I thought of was my own son was out last night for New Year’s Eve in this community. My daughter was home just last week and was down in the French Quarter. This hits home…
“I know there’s a lot of information still coming out but I want to reiterate how much support and how much thought is coming from the New Orleans Saints.”
This will be the 11th time the Super Bowl will be hosted in New Orleans, and the first time since Super Bowl 47 in 2013.