The New Orleans Saints are returning to the Superdome for their NFL season-opener Sunday, The Associated Press has learned.
Forced to flee to Indianapolis ahead of Hurricane Gustav, the Saints will be able to open their season as scheduled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.
The person declined to be identified because an official announcement had not been made.
The Louisiana Superdome was not used as a refuge during Gustav as it was during Katrina three years ago, and did not sustain any structural or interior damage and never lost power.
Earlier, Superdome officials said that there had been only minor damage — exterior signs ripped with downed fences and light poles blown over.
Hoever, there was power in the area and no interior damage.
The building underwent a $200 million, eight-month renovation following Hurricane Katrina three years ago. Officials remained in the stadium with a handful of staff during the storm Sunday night and Monday.
Residents are expected to be back in the area by the end of the week after being evacuated. Suppliers would also have to ship in food and drink.
The game could have been switched to Tampa, Fla., because the Saints and Buccaneers both play in the NFC South and meet twice. The Saints are due to visit Tampa on Nov. 30.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, in Indianapolis with the team, said Monday that he hoped to return.
“We want to be one of the first ones back because we want to play that game and lift the spirits of our city after what’s been a tough week,” he told reporters in a hastily called news conference at an Indianapolis hotel.
Loomis said players, coaches and staff have reported no injuries among family members although it was clear the Saints wanted to get home as soon as possible.
“Our plan is to practice here until Friday regardless of the circumstances,” he said. “We’re going to continue to practice here and stay in the routine we’re in until Friday and then return to New Orleans on Friday.”
Credit: Associated Press
