It’s the end of August, which means the NFL season is finally here! Fantasy Football Leagues are having their drafts, teams are making final cuts this weekend, and the Who Dat Nation of New Orleans is gearing up for a really exciting season of New Orleans Saints football. The season opens for the Saints in Atlanta on Sunday, September 8th, so the home opener at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is still a few weeks away. As we all know, Saints fans are some of the most enthusiastic in the country and watching the games, either in the Dome, at a bar, at home or in the parking lots while tailgating is going to be a party every weekend.
Preparing for a New Orleans Saints Home Game
Prepping to attend a New Orleans Saints game at the Dome is fun, in and of itself. Because the Dome is centrally located in the downtown area, the entire city gets to partake in the fun, regardless of whether you have tickets to the games. There are plenty of bars that open up early, offering drink specials, to ensure a good view of the game on their televisions, there are parking lots surrounding the Superdome area that people will park their RV’s, cars and/or trucks at in order to enjoy some tailgating with family and friends, and the city just feels alive with excitement.
Parking for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The Superdome has seven parking garages for public parking and two surface parking lots. These are all adjacent to the stadium. There is no re-entry or overnight parking in any of these parking lots. So, if you plan to drink, think twice about parking in any of these stadium-sanctioned lots! Vehicles that are parked illegally may be towed. In addition to this, there are parking lots surrounding the Warehouse District that are designated as tailgating parking lots such as along Loyola and Poydras Streets.
Prohibited Items at the Superdome
One of the biggest changes that took place last year in terms of stadium policies was the introduction of the NFL Bag Policy. Ladies, if you plan to bring a purse to the game, you have to know these rules. In order to enhance public safety at all NFL games in the United States, anyone must bring a bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and doesn’t exceed 12”x6”12”. You are also permitted to bring up to a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). If you don’t have a clear bag, a small clutch bag, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, can be taken into the stadium as well. The ONLY exception to this rule is for medical reasons and will be properly inspected upon entrance to the Dome.
Additional prohibited bags include purses larger than a clutch, coolers, briefcase, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, non-approved seat cushions, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, or any other bag larger than what is permissible.
There are a number of items that you are prohibited from bringing into the Superdome. You will be checked. To highlight some:
- Containers of any kind
- Glass
- Contraband
- Outside food or drink
- Weapons of any kind including sticks, bats, poles or clubs
- Noisemakers or projectiles
- Click here for the full list
If you are caught trying to enter the Dome with any of the prohibited items, and you find yourself in trouble with the stadium, the team or legal trouble, call an experienced criminal defense attorney for your free consultation at (504) 264-9492.
Tailgate Safety for Saints Games
Tailgating is important to Saints Fans. Both residents and visiting from out of town like to part-take in the hours-long gathering of drinking, grilling, drinking, playing games, drinking and watching pre-game show coverage. Did I mention drinking? Because drinking alcohol is such a big part of tailgating, there are some safety rules I’d like you to keep in mind while still having fun:
- If approached by law enforcement or security, follow their directions and show respect
- Be responsible while drinking; do not drink underage
- Never drink and drive
- Do not bring illegal drugs to the tailgate or to the Dome
- Keep weapons at home; this is neither the time nor the place to show off
- Refrain from using foul language or getting into fights with anyone, including other Saints fans or opposing team fans; Saints fans are not known for starting fights!
Violations Before, During and After Saints Games
If you’re planning on drinking before the game, at the game, or after the game, consider carpooling or taking the Streetcar to the game. You do not want to get pulled over for a Driving While Intoxicated in Louisiana, and certainly not after a Saints game. You’re not only risking your own life, but many, many others as well.
If you are arrested before, at or after a Saints game, you should immediately consult with a defense attorney who is experienced with a number of crimes such as DWI, Minor in Possession, drug crimes, sex crimes, and unruliness or disturbing the peace. Crescent City Law also offers a $500 Flat Rate Fee for a number of different crimes; please refer to this page to see if you might qualify for a flat rate fee. Contact Crescent City Law at (504) 264-9492 or through e-mail here for your free initial consultation.
