Exactly one year and 25 days ago, images of the tattered Louisiana Superdome were forever etched into the minds of millions of people around the world.
From the outside, parts of the peeling white roof dangled from the sides of the Superdome like white bed sheets hung out to dry.
But on the inside, hell seemingly materialized on Earth.
Thousands of people were stranded without food, water, plumbing or air conditioning as temperatures soared into the 90s on a typical summer day in south Louisiana.
“I talked to a couple of fans that have been in the Dome,” Saints running back Deuce McAllister said in a news release. “As far as me sharing that [information], I probably just want to keep [it] to myself.”
As helicopters circled the outside of the Superdome, television stations relayed images of thousands of exasperated evacuees waiting outside and praying for a way out.
In the days following Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome served as the city’s symbol of destruction, helplessness and death.
But one year later, the jewel of the New Orleans skyline is now symbolic of the city’s restoration, hope and liveliness.
“People are going to see this weekend from the broadcast that this city is very much alive,” said Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “These people are all about their city. New Orleans is going to come back better and stronger than ever.”
When the New Orleans Saints return to their home tonight for Monday Night Football, there will be tears, and there will be laughing.
There will be condolences given and condolences received.
There will be stories told and friendships re-discovered.
And there may be some “boo’s,” and some head sagging at times – but it’s what Saints fans have come to expect.
The Saints last played a regular season home game in the Superdome on Dec. 26, 2004.
The opponent was the Atlanta Falcons.
The Saints were the winning team, 26-13.
The victory was their third in a row, their first such winning streak since 2002.
When the two teams meet tonight, the game has the potential to complete the circle undone by Katrina.
The opponent will be the Atlanta Falcons, and the Saints could be the winning team.
A victory would be the Saints’ third in a row, their first such winning streak since Dec. 26, 2004.
“The evening is only special if you win it,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “I know that this town is excited to finally have football back in its city.”
Regardless of a win or loss, there will be a different focus on the city.
For once, viewers will not be flooded with the images of standing water, stranded people on rooftops and gutted homes.
The world will see a sign of resurrection – a revived Superdome filled with more than 60,000 screaming fans.
The Saints and their fans will send a message about the city Monday night to the world.
New Orleans is on its way back, and it is going to be better than ever.
—–Contact Kyle Whitfield at [email protected]