After 12 years, the Super Bowl is finally back in the Boot. On Saturday ahead of the big game, LSU got in on the action through Geaux Zone: a pop-up shop and meet-and-greet with fans and its current and former football stars in New Orleans.

“This is an awesome experience,” Macy, an LSU fan, said. “It’s not always here, so you know, it’s great to come out here and see all the action and everyone having a great time.”

Fans got to meet current players like kicker Damian Ramos, linebacker Princeton Malbrue, defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory and wide receiver Zavion Thomas. However, the line went almost out of the gates of the event for the chance to meet former Tigers such as Tyrann Matthieu, Clyde-Edwards Helaire and Brian Thomas Jr.

“This is one of the best experiences I’ve had so far,” Edwards-Helaire said. “Just really being able to still have that LSU connection, I mean obviously I know I went there and won a national championship, but once you see the joy it brings people just being able to have these LSU guys around, being able to come home and have events like these here, it goes to show you that we change a lot of lives and make a lot of people happy.”

“Being able to continuously do that years after you finish playing, it’s something you wish you could do while you’re playing so being able to do it in the future is cool so I’m glad I’m able to do it.”

The event featured special merchandise to recognize the players who attended and a booth that allowed fans to fully customize their new gear. Some fans came specifically to meet their LSU football idols, but others were there for the Super Bowl festivities… and they didn’t hold back with their predictions.

“Score prediction? I’m going to go 28-35,” Roneisha, another LSU fan, said. “I’m rooting for the Eagles. The Chiefs had their moment. Go Eagles.”

With less than 24 hours to go until the game, it seems New Orleans is the place to be for LSU fans, NFL fans and anyone else who likes to party. The Super Bowl will kick off at 5:30 p.m. CST on FOX.