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New Orleans — Not seconds after Garrett Hartley kicked the winning field goal Sunday night to take the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl for the first time, people were literally dancing in the streets of the French Quarter.

Fire trucks were sounding their horns; honking cars were filled with people yelling, “Who Dat.” Within minutes Poydras and Canal Streets became totally blocked. Bourbon Street became one big lovefest as thousands of people poured onto the streets from the bars, restaurants, hotel rooms and homes where they had been watching the game.  More people poured in as the celebration moved from the Superdome to streets all over New Orleans.

Total strangers were hugging, high fiving and fist bumping each other. This was more than just a football game, you know.  This was an affirmation that New Orleans, itself, was back from the brink.

My friends and I were lucky enough to be in the Crescent City and join in the celebration. We saw three generations of women on Bourbon Street with the granddaughter wheeling her grandmother through the maze of people. Old and young all together to thank the football gods for this amazing season that ain’t over yet. Oh what a night!

— Martha W. Fagan contributed to this article.

PHOTO 1:Before the game, the streets in the French Quarter were deserted and silent.

PHOTO 2: Inside homes and bars — like Kerry’s Irish pub — however, the atmosphere was boisterous, if sometimes tense.

PHOTOS 3-5: As soon as the game ended, fans began pouring into the streets. From top, outside Kerry’s pub, on Bourbon Street and onto Canal Street.

PHOTO 6: Even the folks at the venerable restaurant Galatoire’s joined in the jubilation.

PHOTO 7: A “rally” bus proclaims the unanimous sentiment of all New Orleans.

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6 Responses to “It was more than a football game”

1. Dallas says:

   January 26, 2010 at 7:28 pm

   Chrys! Great sports report. All we needed to know, really, about the actual game. The Street is the story, obviously, which is to ask myself, “am I surprised Chrys was there, and at an Irish bar?” No. Loved it. More more!

   Reply
2. Neil says:

   January 26, 2010 at 7:35 pm

   Having lived in Louisiana for several years, I know how the residents love to party and root for their sports teams. But does any of this really mean that New Orleans is back from the brink? Has the city done much to fix the problems with crime, politics and education?

   Reply
3. Jack says:

   January 26, 2010 at 8:12 pm

   Who Dat? You Dat, Chrys! wonderful that you and your krewe were there. Colleen, too. at — where else? — The Kerry Irish Pub. even we J-E-T-S fans were thrilled for the Saints, the fans, the city. long live NOLA!

   Reply
4. George says:

   January 27, 2010 at 8:58 am

   This is the first time ever that both teams I was cheering for won their league championship games. Now I don’t really care who wins the SB, I’ll be happy for who ever wins.

   Reply
5. Tom says:

   January 27, 2010 at 5:14 pm

   You might have taken me with you! Alas.

   Reply
6. Terri Evans says:

   January 29, 2010 at 11:23 am

   So glad you all could go and share the Big Easy spirit with us!

   Reply

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