New Orleans Saints

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Lore & Background

Prior to September 2006, the Saints had not played a regular season game in New Orleans since December 26, 2004. Hurricane Katrina struck in late August 2005, leaving the Superdome with 70% of its roof failed and flooding it with millions of gallons of water. The team spent the 2005 campaign playing at the Alamodome, Giants Stadium, and Tiger Stadium, finishing 3–13 while rumors swirled about a permanent move to San Antonio. Owner Tom Benson, however, secured assurances from NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue that the team would return if repairs were finished by the 2006 opener. Governor Kathleen Blanco signed an executive order to expedite fixes, and with $184 million in funding, the stadium was restored in under 13 months. The 2006 season also introduced new Saints head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, who had recovered from a serious shoulder injury.

In Their Own Story

The game began on the first series when Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked Michael Koenen's punt. Cornerback Curtis Deloatch recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, setting the tone immediately. The final score was 23–3 in favor of New Orleans. The victory was celebrated as the "Rebirth" game and "Domecoming." Before kickoff, Green Day and U2 performed a cover of "The Saints Are Coming," and former President George H. W. Bush conducted the coin toss alongside 150 Katrina first responders who were the first to enter the stadium for the event. The win revitalized morale in a city still reeling from disaster, with fans traveling in droves and ticket prices reaching $2,000.

Reader's Guide

This specific matchup serves as the definitive example of the Falcons-Saints rivalry's emotional significance. While the Falcons led the all-time series entering Week 3 of 2006 with 42 regular season wins to the Saints' 30, this game transcended records. The source details the extensive repairs to the Superdome, including a new roof guaranteed "never to blow off," and the massive financial investment required to reopen it. Fans should note that the Falcons entered the game undefeated, having beaten Carolina and Tampa Bay, while the Saints had won their first two games against Cleveland and Green Bay. The presence of key figures like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and film director Spike Lee highlighted the national importance of the event.

Did You Know?

• The first touchdown of the 2006 Superdome reopening game was a blocked punt recovered by Curtis Deloatch in the end zone.
• Former President George H. W. Bush performed the coin toss, accompanied by 150 Katrina first responders who were the first people allowed into the stadium for the game.
• Tickets for the "Rebirth" game sold for as much as USD$2,000 due to high demand and the historic nature of the event.
• Green Day and U2 performed a cover of "The Saints Are Coming" during the pregame show, a song chosen by The Edge because it was his favorite as a teenager.