NEW ORLEANS — Enthusiastic Georgia and Notre Dame fans filed into the Superdome on Thursday to watch the Fighting Irish’s 23-10 Sugar Bowl win without any fear of the terrorism that had struck just blocks away.
The odd Thursday afternoon stage was dominated by No. 7 Notre Dame’s stout defense, which was too much for No. 2 Georgia, hobbled by the absence of quarterback Carson Beck, who was injured in last month’s Southeastern Conference title game.
“I want to make sure again, (to) send our condolences on behalf of our university and our football program to everyone that was affected by the tragedy,” said Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman after the game.
Freeman praised his players for staying focused for the past 24 hours.
“They had to be able to still get ready for this game with the natural emotions that come into each individual that happened after the tragedy. And so I’m proud of the way they prepared,” he said.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinal game kicked off about 20 hours late after an attack on pedestrians in the French Quarter.
The Sugar Bowl had been set for 7:45 p.m. local time Wednesday before a U.S. Army veteran from Texas rammed his rented pickup into revelers on Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m., killing more than a dozen New Year’s Eve revelers.
“I just want everybody to know that the Notre Dame family, every single person in our locker room, is praying for those families that are out there,” Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard said after the game.
He also thanked police for “responding the way they did and creating a safe environment for us to play today so quickly after the events.”
Wednesday’s attack prompted the Sugar Bowl’s postponement with local law enforcement resources devoted to the crime scene, less than a mile from Superdome. Fans observed a moment of silence for victims before kickoff Thursday.
The unusual start time, a little after 3 p.m. on a workday, might have led to late-arriving crowds as some parts of the Superdome’s upper levels were not immediately filled for the national quarterfinal game. But the unusual setting did not appear to dampen fans’ enthusiasm.
“The police presence is extensive. New Orleans knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to a big party,” said Georgia fan BJ Barnett, 42, who drove to the game from his home in Athens. “F— a terrorist, they ain’t making us miss no football game.”
Fans didn’t seem to mind the added security.
“I feel the incident was isolated but super unfortunate. Just how long it took me to park shows me there was a concentrated effort at mitigating any risks that may take place,” said Kelvin Jones, 40, who drove 90 minutes from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Wednesday and Thursday to attend the game. “I feel safe.”
Texas Longhorns fan Breonna Rodriguez, 25, was apprehensive about being at the game until she saw the heavy law enforcement presence, which eased her fears.
“At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come,” said Rodriguez, already looking forward to a possible title match against Notre Dame. “I was nervous, but now I feel better. I’m just here to see who we’re going to play.”
The block on Bourbon Street, which local and federal investigators have been combing for evidence, reopened before kickoff.
“This city will be back, will be open to family and friends and loved ones who want some time to relax from the pressures of life,” Gov. Jeff Landry told reporters Thursday.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said visitors will see plenty of her officers on duty in the neighborhood.
“People are going to see an incredibly large presence of police, and we are confident. But we want our community to feel confident and know they are confident” that the French Quarter will be safe, she added.
The deadly onslaught raised questions about future high-profile events in New Orleans, most notably the Super Bowl, which is set for Feb. 9 at the Superdome.
New Orleans has long been one of the NFL’s go-to cities for its championship game, which has been played in the city 10 times — three at Tulane University and seven at the Superdome. No venue has played host to more Super Bowls than the Superdome.
The Bourbon Street attack has not shaken the NFL’s belief in New Orleans as a Super Bowl host city.
The league said in statement Wednesday that it remains “confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience” in 5½ weeks.
Jesse Kirsch and Deon J. Hampton reported from New Orleans and David K. Li from New York City.
