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Ushers take a tour of the the Louisiana Superdome on Saturday, hoping to learn the changes before tonight's game. Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images.
Tonight, the New Orleans Saints return home to the Superdome for the first time since Katrina. And it's not just a source of pride for the team, it;s also become a source of inspiration for the city.
First, there is the dome itself. A year ago, it seemed irreparably damaged. Part of the roof had peeled away leaving the inside water-logged and moldy. Evacuees left behind 4,000 tons of debris and refuse as well as badly damaged seats, concession stands and suites. As for the dome’s image? Well, to this day, no one expects, or wants, the world to forget those pictures of human suffering. But tonight, a "new" Superdome debuts to a nationwide audience with an image everyone hopes will be just as memorable.
It took $144 million dollars and 850 workers working nine months to give the dome its badly needed facelift. From top to bottom, it looks wholly different from that dark, windswept structure where thousands huddled during the storm and for days afterward.
Let’s start at the top. That mangled roof, all 9.7 acres of it, has been entirely replaced. Inside, there’s a new state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. On top of that, there are new scoreboards and video screens, a brighter paint scheme, modernized concession stands, upgraded luxury suites and a fresh paint job on brand new turf. In short, it looks like a brand new dome.
If the dome itself weren’t enough to be proud of, the city is walking on air about the Saints. This will be their first home game since Katrina. And this season, unlike many others, fans have something to cheer about. The team comes into tonight’s game 2-0. Most NFL teams wouldn’t consider that a lot to brag about. But for fans accustomed to so many losing seasons, it’s enough to let them dream. On top of that, they’re playing their long time rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, who are also undefeated.
And tonight’s game has also given the city what no FEMA official, politician or insurance adjuster could hope. Many have said; if the lackluster Saints can come back with a strong start to the season and if the Superdome, with its painful past, can rebuild in record time, perhaps there is hope for this city. The team and the dome have become symbols of what might be possible.
It may not be the Super Bowl, but it could indeed be the most important game of the season, emotionally. Why? Perhaps it's because the game has given everyone something positive to focus on for a change. It's all everyone talks about. Instead of talking about whether they're back in their house, received their insurance check or are thinking about leaving, folks here can finally just talk about something normal -- a football game.
Editor's note: Steve also took his DV cam into the dome ... we'll crunch that video and deliver it to you in this blog shortly. Tonight on 'Nightly,' correspondent Martin Savidge reports on the Saints home opener.
Read more from NBC's Gulf Coast recovery files, Steve Majors
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Early Nightly is up
From the beginning, the coverage of Katrina put a face on the poverty so prevalent in New Orleans.
When the A-List guests began to arrive and were ushered to the magnificant private boxes/suites for the opening game, what percentage of seats and refreshments were set aside for those who were unable to afford tickets?
Just Curious (Sent Sep 28, 2006 11:22:16 PM)
Yeah!!!... The Saints are marching in. What a game!! Hey Steve...was that you hollering so very loud in the stands...Whoops...it was my husband. (Smile)
(Sent Sep 27, 2006 12:34:11 AM)
I LOVE THE SAINTS!!!!!
Susan Suhar (Sent Sep 25, 2006 9:59:47 PM)
As I heard this report tonight about the Super Dome, a lump grew in my throat. Let's do some real reporting. How much federal and state moneys were found for this project? How can I feel comfortable with this when you can go down many streets and find homeowners in New Orleans and surrounding parrish's still finding it difficult to find contractors, supplies and insurance money's. Did the levies get done...yes temporarily, but everyone was praying that another hurrican would not hit N. O.
So the Dome had money, supplies and contractors. Not surprised...
(Sent Sep 25, 2006 7:17:20 PM)
GO SAINTS! It is a beautiful, fall day in New Orleans today, and everyone is donning black-and-gold attire at their places of work today. The momentum around town is a lot like what it usually felt like before Mardi Gras or when the city has hosted the Superbowl in past years- and it is such a welcomed break for so many individuals who have to deal with so much uncertainty and distress.
Seeing the superdome lit up, knowing that hotels and restaurants are getting some much needed business this weekend, and seeing the masses of revelers surround the area around the dome to celebrate something happy-these are all symbols of hope. I do not think some people know how much these symbols of hope are needed for business owners and residents who have been down for months. There are too many former residents still displaced- and all of those individuals will continue to be on the minds of everyone here until there is some sort of plan in place to help resettle the city. And I hope all of those who are still displaced can watch tonight and see the game as a symbol of hope, although I know it will be hard looking on from the outside.
When Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, and Kermit Ruffins take the stage to perform the national anthem- I know everyone watching will witness the true culture and spirit of New Orleans, the pride the locals still have in their city, and the hope that everyone affected along the gulf coast can celebrate a rebirth in their own way as we move forward from the disastrous summer of 2005.
Elizabeth, New Orleans, LA (Sent Sep 25, 2006 12:39:59 PM)
In my view this is the most positive news out of Louisiana in a long time! This game, and the rest of the Saints' games in the "Dome"--will be the healing experiences a deeply wounded Louisiana needs, with the normality and just plain fun they will be bringing to New Orleans and her people. Not to mention a brief respite from the city's daily problems and hardships. I had recently read an article that said in effect that excitement and happiness over the improved fortunes of the Saints, as well as the rebuilt Superdome, have been therapeutic, lifting her spirits, which badly needed lifting.
So this is far more than a mere football game--it symbolizes high hopes for New Orleans' rising Phoenix-like from the ruins after all that happened in the Superdome during Katrina. I hope I'm not being too optimistic by hoping that it signifies the rebirth of that beautiful, one-of-a-kind city. Indeed, I understand that all of the Saints' home games are sold out--which is great! Of course, I'm rooting for the Saints--but even if they don't win tonight, they are already winners because they now have their beloved "Dome" back.
Go, Saints!
Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill. (Sent Sep 25, 2006 12:22:36 PM)
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