NEW ORLEANS — Dedicated Georgia and Notre Dame fans entered the Superdome on Thursday to watch the Fighting Irish’s 23-10 Sugar Bowl victory without fear of a terrorist attack just blocks away. people lined up.
A strange Thursday afternoon was dominated by No. 7 Notre Dame’s stout defense, but it was too much for No. 2 Georgia, which suffered an injury to quarterback Carson Beck in last month’s Southeastern Conference title game. His absence was a hindrance.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said after the game, “I want to reiterate that on behalf of our university and our football program, we extend our condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Coach Freeman praised his players for staying focused over the past 24 hours.
“They had to prepare for this game with the emotions that naturally come up within each human being after a tragedy. So I’m proud of the way they prepared. I think so,” he said.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kicked off about 20 hours late after a pedestrian attack in the French Quarter.
The Sugar Bowl was scheduled for Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. local time, but at about 3:15 a.m., a U.S. Army veteran from Texas plowed into revelers on Bourbon Street with his rented pickup truck, causing a crash on New Year’s Eve. More than a dozen people who were enjoying the party were killed.
“I want everyone to know that the Notre Dame family, everyone in the locker room, is praying for the family outside,” Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard said after the game. .
He also thanked the police, “They responded immediately after the incident and created a safe environment for us to play today.”
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Following Wednesday’s attack, the Sugar Bowl was postponed and local law enforcement focused on the crime scene, less than a mile from the Superdome. Fans held a moment of silence for the victims before kickoff on Thursday.
The unusual start time of a little after 3 p.m. on a weekday may have led to late-arriving crowds because some of the upper floors of the Superdome didn’t fill quickly enough for the national quarterfinal games. However, the unusual setting did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the fans.
“The police presence is extensive. New Orleans knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to big parties,” said BJ, a Georgia fan who drove from his home in Athens to watch the game.・Mr. Barnett (42 years old) said. “F-terrorists, they’re not going to make us miss the football game.”
Fans don’t seem to mind the increased security.
“While we believe this incident was isolated, it was very disappointing. Looking at how long it took to park, it shows that intensive efforts have been made to reduce any possible risks. “I can see what happened,” said Kelvin Jones, 40, who drove 90 minutes from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to watch the games on Wednesday and Thursday. “I feel safe.”
Texas Longhorns fan Breonna Rodriguez, 25, was nervous about going to the game until seeing the heavy presence of law enforcement eased her fears.
“At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come,” said Rodriguez, who is already looking forward to a potential title game against Notre Dame. “I was nervous, but I feel better now. I just came here to see who I’m going to play against.”
The block of Bourbon Street reopened before kickoff as local and federal investigators searched it for evidence.
“This city will be open to families, friends and loved ones who are returning and looking for time to relax from the pressures of life,” Gov. Jeff Landry told reporters Thursday.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said visitors will see many officers on duty in the neighborhood.
“People are going to see an incredible amount of police presence, and we’re confident. But we want our community to know that the French Quarter is safe.” We want them to feel confident and know that they are confident,” she added.
This deadly onslaught has raised questions about future high-profile events in New Orleans, particularly the Super Bowl, scheduled for Feb. 9 at the Superdome.
New Orleans has long been one of the cities that has hosted the NFL championship game, with 10 games to date, including three at Tulane University and seven at the Superdome. No venue has hosted more Super Bowls than the Superdome.
Even the Bourbon Street attack did not shake the NFL’s belief that New Orleans could host the Super Bowl.
The league said in a statement Wednesday that it is “confident that participants will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience” within 5 1/2 weeks.
Jesse Kirsch and Deon J. Hampton reported from New Orleans and David K. Lee from New York City.
