Refresh for updates…Though flags outside New Orleans’ Superdome flew at half-staff, security officers with bomb-sniffing dogs greeted visitors and President Joe Biden delivered pre-game videotaped words of consolation and support, the postponed 2025 Sugar Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish got underway this afternoon very much as any other game of the season.
In the brief video aired on ESPN prior to the official coin-toss, Biden said, “The spirit of New Orleans can never be kept down, and that’s also true of the spirit of America.” He ended his remarks with “God bless New Orleans and God protect our troops.”
Immediately after, ESPN’s Sean McDonough began the game broadcast with a fleeting mention of yesterday’s tragedy. “After what’s been a very emotional and difficult 36 hours here in New Orleans,” he said, “the focus shifts to football, and it should be a very entertaining and exciting game here today.”
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About 20 minutes into the game, Thomas J. Wilson, chairman, president and CEO of the Allstate Corporation – sponsor of the game – said in a pre-recorded video message, “On Wednesday, tragedy struck the New Orleans community. Our prayers are with the victims and their families.” He then made a plea to “become stronger together by overcoming an addiction to division and negativity,” encouraging viewers to “amplify the positive, increase trust and accept people’s imperfections and differences. Together we win.”
The game was postponed from last night after the horrific attack on nearby Bourbon Street earlier in the day that left 14 people dead and at least 30 injured. At a press conference yesterday, Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley announced that the game would be postponed by a day to ensure public safety.
The Sugar Bowl is the last of four College Football Playoff quarterfinal games, and today’s winner will advance to the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 9 against Fiesta Bowl winner Penn State.
Check back here for updates on the game.
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