Locals and lovers of New Orleans around the world are encouraged to wear black and gold today in celebration of the Saints. Tonight at 7 p.m. CST, ESPN will be rebroadcasting the first Saints game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome following Hurricane Katrina.
In that memorable game, the Saints took on the hated Atlanta Falcons in an important divisional battle. The Saints went on to win 23-3 on their way to leading the NFC South and appearing in the NFC Championship game.
This game will hold a special place in the hearts of New Orleanians, not only because it was the first game back in the Superdome after Katrina, but because Steve Gleason was immortalized for blocking a punt. The iconic image of that blocked punt is now a statue in front of the Superdome.
In addition, U2 performed with Green Day at halftime, along with the Goo-Goo Dolls and local stars Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, and Allen Toussaint.
Saints fans are being asked to donate to the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund in celebration of the game; proceeds from the fund go towards helping hospitality workers dealing with economic hardships. Donations can be made at gnof.org/benson.
