New Orleans is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Sugar Bowl playoff game between Notre Dame and Georgia, despite the shadow of a tragic terror attack on Bourbon Street that left at least 14 people dead and many others injured.
The game, which was postponed from its original date, is set to kick off in a few hours at 3 PM local time. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and city officials are determined to ensure the safety of the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend, as reported by TMZ.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick appeared on the Today show earlier today to address concerns raised by critics, including the state’s Attorney General, who had called for the game to be postponed further. Kirkpatrick expressed confidence in the city’s preparedness, emphasizing the robust security measures in place.
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“We are not alone,” Kirkpatrick stated. “We are in partnership with many other partners. Both local, federal, military, police will be here. We are gonna have absolutely hundreds of officers and staff lining our streets, lining Bourbon Street, lining the French Quarter.” She added, “We are staffing up at the same level, if not more so, than what we were preparing for [the] Super Bowl.”
Mayor LaToya Cantrell also weighed in, assuring the public that Bourbon Street would be fully operational and secure before game time. She stated that the city is ready and confident in its ability to host a safe and successful Sugar Bowl.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says Bourbon Street will re-open to the public prior to the start of the Sugar Bowl on Thursday. More: https://t.co/IOhVq9pYrS pic.twitter.com/yzJPgpubXs
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) January 2, 2025
The Sugar Bowl is not typically an event that garners the same level of security as the Super Bowl or presidential inaugurations, but this year is an exception. In the wake of the recent attack, the city has ramped up its security measures to unprecedented levels, deploying extensive resources to protect fans, players, and residents.
The decision to proceed with the game follows its initial delay after the Bourbon Street attack, which sent shockwaves through the nation. Originally slated for Wednesday night, the game was rescheduled to give officials time to enhance security protocols. Now, with over 80,000 fans expected to attend, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“We are staffing up at the same level, if not more so, than what we were preparing for the Super Bowl.”
Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick tells NBC Today that the police are ready for the Sugar Bowl college football game to take place.
Latest: https://t.co/uSCFNLUZEM pic.twitter.com/kv9jL4mj1A
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 2, 2025
As game time approaches, New Orleans is on high alert. Federal and local law enforcement, along with military personnel, are collaborating to create a safe environment for one of college football’s most celebrated events. The city’s determination to move forward serves as a testament to its resilience in the face of tragedy.
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