Today was awesome here in New Orleans as we get ready for the BCS National Championship Game tomorrow. It appears that most of Columbus has now arrived in New Orleans. The weather was mild and muggy with a nice breeze. Bourbon Street has been packed since morning. The city of New Orleans post Katrina is ready and has never looked better downtown.
Getting your tickets:
It's getting down to the wire with not many tickets left. Don't buy on the street. I can't stress that enough. If you still need seats, Sports Traveler has last minute options available online. Check our BCS Inventory. All tickets online can be picked up here in New Orleans.
Find the teams:
The Ohio State Buckeyes are staying at the Hilton Riverside, the LSU Tigers are just down the street at the Sheraton. Security is tight but fans can still grab autographs from very friendly players roaming about the hotels.
Find fellow Sports Travelers:
Our clients are staying at the Hilton Riverside, Sheraton, Marriott, Royal Sonesta, Astor Crowne, Ambassador, Pere Renaissance Marquette, and Royal St. Charles. We hope you are having as much fun as you look like you are having.
The Sports Traveler's that traveled the furthest to be here:
The Ringo family from London. They are Ohio State fans.
Events today:
Buckeye Bash - New Orleans Convention Center 3-4:30pm. The place was packed with thousands of Buckeye faithful. A great scene with the Mayor of Columbus getting the Mayor of New Orleans to wear an OU hat - very temporarily. The bash was a fun time with team captains throwing footballs into the crowd and the marching band entertaining the crowds. The party spilled out over onto Bourbon Street and by 9pm seemed to still be in full swing.
Sight-seen:
A Ohio State autograph seeker standing in the lobby of the Hilton Riverside approaching anyone wearing OU gear that looked like an athlete and asking if they were a member of the football team or not and a few random fans saying they were so they could sign his helmet then walking away laughing.
Great eats:
Sports Traveler discovered Dick and Jenny's last night. Way off the beaten track but well worth the 10 minute cab ride and a fantastic New Orleans meal to remember. Another great place is the Besh Steak House inside Harrah's Casino. The chocolate cake at dessert fueled tonight's trip to the French Quarter and this blog entry.
Bourbon Street:
So crowded you can barely move tonight. Inching our way down the street we found a group of OU fans chanting across the street at each other from the balcony at the Royal Sonesta. Thanks for the beads! OH-I-O!
Something to see that no one else is doing:
Take the free Ferry at the Riverwalk. Haven't you always wanted to say you sailed the Mississippi River? It's free and makes for some great scenic pictures. It also sails a night. Very cool. By the way there isn't anything to see on the other side so stay on the boat and come right back.
Pre-Game:
Superdome - 1:00PM - 3:00PM: The Mike Tirico Show on ESPN Radio featuring Kirk Herbstreit broadcast live. The BCS Fan Jam starts at 4pm. Meet by Gate C bridge. It's a tailgate party with entertainment New Orleans style. Free, the best price there is.
Kickoff 7pm.
After Party?
Bourbon Street. Where else? See you there!
-anbritt
"LSU quarterback Matt Flynn passed for four touchdowns as second-ranked LSU (12-2) won its second national title in five seasons."
Way to go Matt Flynn you did us proud!!
Tigers 2007/2008 Champs!!
Bourbon Street turned into a sea of LSU fans last night. The Superdome was incredible. At least 80% LSU and never stopped rockin! My favorite moment was seeing Ohio State fan's throwing their red wigs off the upper deck and walking out. What a trip of a lifetime. Anyone make it back from Bourbon Street yet?
That was an awesome game. The "Ohio State Side" of the Superdome was really just one corner. LSU fans were the rest of the stadium. We had a lot of OSU fans here and you were all a class act. We hope to see you all next year because the 'third time is the charm'. Walking back to the hotel last night up the middle of the street with about 20,000 other fans, passing by the street entertainers playing jazz, watching people dancing all around is one of my favorite memories of this trip. New Orleans is back!