NEW ORLEANS — The quarterfinal matchup of the College Football Playoff at the Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia has been postponed by a day following a tragic incident that occurred nearby. Early Wednesday morning, a truck driver deliberately drove into a New Year’s crowd, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and injuring more than 30 others.
Originally set for 7:45 p.m. CST on Wednesday at the Superdome, which has a capacity of 70,000, the game has now been rescheduled to take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The team that wins this playoff game will advance to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9. The Sugar Bowl’s CEO Jeff Hundley emphasized at a press conference that “public safety is paramount” as he addressed the decision alongside various officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Everyone involved agreed that postponing the game was the best decision for public safety.”
The horrific events unfolded when a pickup truck was driven into a crowd in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter at approximately 3:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Following the attack, which occurred near Bourbon Street, the assailant was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement. The FBI has taken charge of the investigation into this incident.
The delay in the game has affected numerous fans travelling to attend, many of whom found that ticket prices dropped significantly online, with some tickets listed for less than $25 as people attempted to sell their tickets last minute. Lisa Borrelli, a 34-year-old from Philadelphia who traveled to New Orleans with her fiancé, a Notre Dame alum, expressed her understanding of the postponement, stating that it was “absolutely the right call.” They had paid over $250 per ticket and were hesitant to sell due to the declining value of tickets.
U.S. Representative Troy Carter of Louisiana highlighted that the postponement decision was made with careful consideration of public safety for both citizens and visitors in the city. Governor Landry assured anyone hesitant about attending the upcoming game that he would personally be present, reinforcing that the city has become safer since the incident.
Some fans like Darrell Huckaby, a 72-year-old from Georgia, opted to return home instead of attending the game. He described witnessing the aftermath of the tragedy from his hotel room and noted the sense of heartbreak and uncertainty that followed. Huckaby, who had paid $360 for his ticket, acknowledged that the importance of the football game faded in light of the incident.
Hundley mentioned ongoing efforts to create a secure and enjoyable environment in and around the Superdome for the rescheduled game. On Wednesday, the Superdome was under heavy security lockdown as precautionary measures were put in place.
While waiting for updates, both teams remained in their respective hotels, participating in meetings. Members of the Georgia team ventured to the Superdome for a brief walkthrough, much to the delight of the fans gathered along the route. The Notre Dame team gathered to watch another playoff game being aired on television while discussing their situation in a hotel ballroom.
Georgia’s President Jere Morehead confirmed that one of their students was among those seriously injured and that the university was actively communicating with the student’s family. Statements from both Georgia and Notre Dame confirmed that all personnel associated with the teams had been accounted for.
Earlier in the day, New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno revealed that security around the Superdome would be heightened in response to the tragedy, with additional police presence expected. This venue is also set to host the Super Bowl on February 9, drawing on extensive security measures that had previously been established, reminiscent of heightened security after the September 11 attacks.
In response to the devastating attack in New Orleans, the NFL expressed its sorrow and reassured the public about the comprehensive security plans in place for upcoming events, including the Super Bowl.
The community is now left to process this unfortunate and tragic incident while looking forward to the rescheduled game.
