New Orleans businesses prepare for highly anticipated Saints home opener
The Saints will take on the Raiders Sunday, just two days after the Domecoming 20th anniversary.
NEW ORLEANS —
Anticipation is building for the Saints home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
This is the Saints’ 60th season, and the game comes just days after the 20th anniversary of the Domecoming, the Saints’ emotional return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
The Saints are going all out for this home opener. Fans can expect live music before the game and during halftime, new food options in the dome and commemorative memorabilia.
As fans prepare to don their black and gold, local businesses are getting ready for bigger crowds.
“Football season brings a lot of business,” Bryan Clark, chef at Luke, said. “Lots of foot traffic, lots of teams travel. And then it really brings the aspect of the community coming out to celebrate their own team.”
Clark said they are expecting a full house before and after the game.
“There will be about 214 people here for brunch before the game starts. So we’re focused on getting a lot of things prepped, ready and available. So that way it’s turn and burn,” he said.
Every year, Saints games bring in locals and out-of-town visitors, but business owners say that the size of the crowd often depends on how well the Saints are playing.
“The last few years, the crowds have been a little less. This year we’re expecting much bigger crowds because people are really excited about the Saints,” Marc Bonifacic, owner of Central City BBQ, said.
They are hoping last week’s big win against the Ravens, plus the Domecoming anniversary, will make for a successful weekend.
“It’s a pretty big milestone because I remember people not knowing what the Saints were going to do, if they were going to leave or stay,” Bonifacic said. “So that was a great game and I think it’s really great that we’re here 20 years later. Especially now that the Saints are looking good again.”
Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m. Sunday.