The New Orleans Saints will mark 20 years since the Superdome reopened after Hurricane Katrina when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, honoring the 2006 “Domecoming” that became a defining moment for the franchise and the city.
What changed for the franchise
Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005 and forced the Saints away from their home stadium for the entire 2005 season. The club staged designated home games at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, the Alamodome in San Antonio and Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.
The Saints returned to the Superdome in Week 3 of the 2006 season for a Monday night meeting with the Falcons. New Orleans beat Atlanta 23-3 to improve to 3-0, launching a season that ended with the franchise’s first appearance in the NFC Championship Game.
Steve Gleason delivered the signature play of that night, blocking an Atlanta punt on the Falcons’ opening possession. Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, setting the tone for the Saints’ victory.
Gleason and Deloatch are among the members of the 2006 roster scheduled to be recognized during Monday’s anniversary program. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and later created Team Gleason, which has provided more than $65 million in adventure opportunities, technology, equipment and care support for people living with ALS.
Team Gleason will receive the proceeds from the game’s 50/50 raffle.
Superdome celebration plans
Champions Square will open at 4 p.m. local time, with expanded entertainment, interactive activities for fans and special programming before kickoff.
Irma Thomas, widely known as the Soul Queen of New Orleans, will perform the national anthem alongside local artist River Eckert. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will lead the halftime performance, joined by Eric Church, Kirk Franklin, Juvenile, Cyril Neville and Ivan Neville.
ESPN will carry both the anthem performance and halftime show live as New Orleans revisits one of the most meaningful nights in Saints history.
