NEW ORLEANS — Extra security will be in place at and around the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans for Thursday’s Sugar Bowl.
Officials made the decision to postpone the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame in wake of the deadly attack on Bourbon Street. A driver intentionally drove into a crowd, killing at least 15 and leaving dozens more with serious to critical injuries, including a University of Georgia student.
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The Sugar Bowl will now be played at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT on Thursday. This marks the first time in the Sugar Bowl’s 91-year history that the game has ever been postponed.
Sugar Bowl Chief Executive Officer Jeff Hundley said officials from the playoff, both schools, and law enforcement agreed it was in the best interest of public safety to postpone it a day.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we work through this,” Hundley said. “We have full faith and confidence in the governor and the mayor and all the federal, state, and local first responders that they’ve applied to this horrific event. Any time we have an event like the Sugar Bowl, public safety is paramount, and all parties involved agree that could only be achieved with a postponement. Now we will move ahead to take care of the details to make the Sugar Bowl the first-class, fun, and safe event that it has been for over 90 years.”
Homeland Security said in a brief statement on Thursday that they will be on site at the Sugar Bowl.
“Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans will work in conjunction with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of spectators attending the Sugar Bowl,” said Eric Delaune, the Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s New Orleans field office. “As always, the wellbeing of our public is HSI’s foremost priority, and along with our partner law enforcement organizations, we will continue to work tirelessly to provide a secure environment for sports fans and the general public to enjoy our wonderful city.”
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After the deadly attack, the Caesars Superdome, which is about 20 blocks away from the French Quarter, went on lockdown for security sweeps. Both teams spent Wednesday at their hotels. Georgia players were later bused to the Superdome for a walkthrough practice.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry emphasized the city’s safety and that he will be in attendance at the Sugar Bowl.
“I tell you one thing: Your governor’s going to be there,” Landry said. “That is proof, believe you me, that that facility and this city is safer today than it was yesterday.”
New Orleans police said it was already staffed 100% and called in help from neighboring departments for New Year’s and the Sugar Bowl before the deadly attack happened.
The Superdome is also scheduled to host the Super Bowl on Feb. 9. The NFL said it is confident in its security plans.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans,” the NFL said in a statement. “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. We are confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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