ESPN Mounts 20-Year Superdome Tribute for Saints-Falcons Game as 370 Staff Cover New Orleans
Updated
Updated · NewOrleansSaints.com · Oct 5
ESPN Mounts 20-Year Superdome Tribute for Saints-Falcons Game as 370 Staff Cover New Orleans
3 articles · Updated · NewOrleansSaints.com · Oct 5
Summary
ESPN is turning Monday night’s Saints-Falcons game into a 20-year commemoration of the Caesars Superdome’s post-Katrina reopening, with executive producer Steve Ackels framing the broadcast around New Orleans’ rebirth.
A 370-person ESPN crew in New Orleans will spread that theme across the day, from Laura Rutledge on "Good Morning America" to a game open narrated by New Orleans native Anthony Mackie and a Katrina tribute voiced by Robin Roberts.
The telecast will also feature Irma Thomas singing the anthem, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue leading halftime, and appearances tied to the 2006 reopening game, including Steve Gleason, Drew Brees and Sean Payton.
Planning began after the NFL released its schedule on May 14, with ESPN saying months of meetings with the league, city and Saints were aimed at balancing Katrina’s devastation with the stadium’s and city’s recovery.
The matchup revives the Saints-Falcons pairing from the Sept. 25, 2006 "Domecoming," when Gleason’s blocked punt helped launch a 23-3 win that became a symbol of New Orleans’ recovery.