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Do You Believe in Happy Endings?
By SCOTT STOVER, MOP Squad Sports Staff Writer
Sep 25, 2006 - 2:58:00 PM

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If you tune into ESPN’s Monday Night Football tonight, you will see something that resembles part football game and part Mardi Gras, with a dash of goodwill that you have probably not seen since the World Series in New York back in 2001. 

You know the story – Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath afterwards sent sports teams across Louisiana, including the Saints elsewhere for their 2005 – 2006 seasons.  The Saints, displaced from the Louisiana Superdome, played in San Antonio, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, even a “home game” against the Giants in New York. It was the shelter of last resort for Katrina evacuees.  The roof was tattered and leaking, the Mississippi River flooded the building, no power, no water, and no hope…

After the storm and after the people who called it shelter were sent to Houston and elsewhere, the questions ensued over what would happen next.  The Saints were in limbo, and there was even talk of owner Tom Benson voiding the lease with the city of New Orleans and moving the team to Los Angeles or San Antonio or anywhere aside from New Orleans.  There was even talk that the Superdome should be demolished because it was considered to be unusable following the death and destruction of Katrina.

Were the Saints destined to be a nomad team? What would happen heading into the new season?  What happens next, at least at this point, is nothing short of storybook fairy tale endings.  Well, maybe that is too cliché, but there is now reason for hope. 

Heading into the 2006 season, the Saints hired new head coach Sean Payton, agreed to terms with Drew Brees to be their new quarterback, and were probably the benefactors of the dumbest draft move since Sam Bowie, when USC’s Reggie Bush fell right into their lap. 

The Louisiana Stadium and Exhibition Board announced that $185 million was going into repairing and renovating the Superdome. 

And what was probably the sweetest news of all, that the Saints, the New Orleans Saints would make their homecoming to their city on September 25th against the Atlanta Falcons, which is only just hours away!

Despite the problems that may have gone into rebuilding the city of New Orleans in the last year and despite what has happened since then, this is the chance for New Orleans to step up and say “We Are Back!”

If you do not believe me, let see if this backs my statement.  The Saints, while always popular, never sold out every game in an entire season.  There were even rumors that because of the lower New Orleans population, the Saints would never be supported quite like they used to.  Whoever said that needs to see that the Saints are back and the fans are back as well. For the first time ever, the Superdome is sold out for the entire season and have sold a record number of season tickets! You read that right; the Superdome is sold out this year!!!!

THE SUPERDOME IS SOLD OUT THIS YEAR!

That makes me so happy to write that.  While I know when doing commentary, even reporting there is a tinge of bias – I cannot be happier for the Saints and the city of New Orleans.  This is the chance they have been waiting for. 

Tonight, New Orleans welcomes back the Saints, and a new and improved Superdome.  Remember there is a game to be played as well after U2, Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls, and appearances by former President George H.W. Bush, former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and current NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. 

The Saints have a 2-0 record and the Atlanta Falcons come into town with a 2-0 record. Division games, especially in the NFC South are usually very competitive and very close.  A close game is expected but most of the pundits are predicting an Atlanta win.  I am not sure about anybody else, but this game I am picking with my heart for once and am picking the Saints to win. 

If they do not win, no one will think less of them.  Remember, this is being portrayed as something bigger than football, even bigger than life.  If they do win, the story will remain the same but the headline will read something like “Saints Come Marching Home With Win”.

Hope that happens, this is a happy ending we all want to see!


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