Everything we know about the status of Notre Dame and Georgia playoff games
A suspected terrorist stormed into New Orleans’ New Year’s revelers in New Orleans’ French Quarter, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 30 others.
As people celebrated the New Year around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, FBI agents were leading the investigation into an alleged terrorist attack on Bourbon Street.
In addition to ringing in the New Year, tens of thousands of Georgia and Notre Dame fans came to New Orleans to watch the all-state Sugar Bowl, one of this year’s College Football Playoff games. A parade was held in the French Quarter at 2 pm local time, with bands, floats and dance groups winding through the French Quarter.
The parade kicked off the city’s New Year’s festivities and kicked off a big game scheduled for Wednesday night at the Caesars Superdome.
However, with the FBI investigating the incident and the public being told to stay away from Bourbon Street as it has now become a horrific crime scene, will the game still go ahead as planned?
What’s the status of the game?
As of now, the game is still scheduled to be played on Wednesday night, with kickoff set for 7:45 pm local time at the Caesars Superdome.
Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said Wednesday morning that the game committee is still discussing the status of the highly anticipated game with local and federal officials.
“The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the horrific events that occurred early this morning,” Hundley said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are working with all local, state and federal levels to Authorities are engaged in ongoing discussions and will provide additional details as they become available.
Officials say Sugar Bowl event will go on as planned despite New Year’s Day terrorist attacks (Getty Images)
What did the officials say?
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said at a news conference Wednesday morning that she hopes the city and its visitors “continue to enjoy” New Orleans despite the horrific attack.
“We were going to make sure our route and the Superdome were safe for today’s game, but we had this tragic incident happen and we apologize to everyone, but we do want you to continue with the day and stay off the streets of Bourbon,” she said.
Following the tragedy, the National Football League (NFL) also issued a statement. The Sugar Bowl will be played at the Caesars Superdome, where the Sugar Bowl is also held.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating events in New Orleans. Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community and all those affected. The NFL and the local host committee have spent the past two years working with local, state and federal agencies worked together and developed a comprehensive security plan,” the alliance said. “These planning meetings will continue as with all major NFL events, and we are confident attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
Who’s playing?
The 91st annual Sugar Bowl will feature the SEC champion, No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs and No. 7 Notre Dame Bulldogs.
The game is the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff, the first year of the expanded 12-team format. Notre Dame defeated the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round to face the Bulldogs, who had a bye.
The winner of this game will advance to next week’s semifinals against No. 6 Penn State at the Orange Bowl in Miami Lakes, Florida.
Police cars parked outside the Caesars Superdome hours after a terrorist attack in New Orleans killed 10 people (Getty Images)
Other Bowl Game Responses
The Tournament of Roses and the city of Pasadena, Calif., said in a statement Wednesday ahead of Wednesday’s Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game that “they extend their thoughts to the people of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans following the tragic events that occurred this morning.” Deepest sympathy.”
Pasadena added that they “stand with the entire state during this difficult time,” and assured visitors and fans that the city has been preparing for the New Year’s Day parade for months and has “strictly closed the entire parade route.” vehicle”. In addition to very strong vehicle barriers at intersections. “
The Atlanta Police Department also responded by saying it would increase security measures before Wednesday’s Peach Bowl game.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by events in New Orleans, LA earlier this morning. The Atlanta Police Department has implemented enhanced security measures ahead of the Peach Bowl, including the deployment of additional officers,” the department said. “In light of today’s developments, as an additional precautionary measure, specialist units and additional personnel will be further deployed to the city center and midtown areas to ensure the continued safety of residents and visitors.”
