My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

Hello Saints Fans,
Over the last four years, I’ve been traveling to NFL stadiums across the country in an attempt to see a professional football game in each one, a feat I call the Quest for 31. My goal is to truly understand what it’s like to be a fan of every franchise in the NFL. As part of my immersive study on the home team experience, I show up early on gameday, tailgate with local fans, eat local foods, and wear a home team jersey to rally the home team to victory. After each visit, I summarize my weekend in an online stadium review which I then post on the website, www.nflfootballstadiums.com.

I will complete my four year journey in New Orleans at the Louisiana Superdome on December 27, 2009 when the Tampa Bay Bucs come to town. It will be my 31st and final Stadium on my NFL Journey. I was wondering if you might recommend some superb New Orleans Saints Tailgating outside the Superdome or some gameday traditions I need to make sure I check in on while I’m in town, considering that my aim is to truly appreciate the home team experience. It's been a long road but I look forward to completing the journey this year. Do most Saints fans dress up in costume for the games?

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

Very cool idea. And, boy did you pick the right time to visit the dome. This is going to be the rowdiest party in the dome ever. New England was huge but Monday night. No holds barred on a Saturday in the Dome.

There isn't as much tailgating as you may think since the dome is built kinda funny. San Diego has that nailed pretty well.

I would suggest going to the ACME Oyster House just off Burbon St and Canal. There is a parking lot directly across from ACMe that will cost you 12 bucks all day/night. Order the "10 napkin" debris Po-Boy and make sure to ask for it "dressed." Order some Abita beer or Barq's root beer, a dozen oysters on the half shell and a cup of chicken and andouille sausage Gumbo. Then, just walk about 1/2 mile to the dome and there will be a big concert going on for a couple hours before the game. Of course, you should be holding a large beer in a cup or a Daquiri heading over there :o)

Mother's is good too, but no parking and the debris isn't as good as ACME. Arguing about who has the best Roast Beef Poboys is New Orleans' favorite past-time next to the Saints. A lot of fans wear jerseys but there are some special characters we all love. I'd say get a Vilma jersey b/c everyone has Brees and McAllister covered. Mike McKenzie would be a good one too. You are really gonna like this.

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

any particular reason why we're your last and final stadium to visit? by the way, u gotta try some good boiled crawfish while ur here.

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

is there a better way to end that awesome quest than watching the saints beat up on the cowgirls?

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

He saved the best for last obviously

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

Papa Voodoo and WV, you guys apparently didn't read all of his post. He's going to the Tampa game. Not the Cowgirls.

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

you really did an amazing job travelling around the country






NFL DRAFT

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

I thought about doing that already ... problem is, it's kinda expensive for two (me and the wife). And we wanted a slightly different version, the Saints in every stadium in the NFL. It's also interesting the treatment you get as an visiting opposing fan... Great job, 31, btw... and it's a cool idea to put it all in a website...or even a book, dare I say. And great choice of boards too! You'll love it here at BnG!

They got Mulate's by the convention center, and ACME and Mother's as previously suggested. It's not near the stadium, but for a great Po'boy, try The Parkway by the bayou in MidCity. Take in the sights in the Quarter. Watch out for folks asking and betting you "they know where you got dem shoes?" It'll a good experience for you. It's a shame you didn't pick the Saturday night game this weekend. It's going to be unreal!

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

ha ha ha ha... "Do Saints fans dress up? Man, you saved
the best for last. heh heh heh....

tailgating? The whole city is pretty much a tailgate--- but you'll want to see the French Quarter, Canal St, and then walk--- up Poydras or maybe LaSalle.

If you're um, "suburban" looking, be choosy which areas you walk. Always a good idea to wear Saints stuff. Dont bet with the guy who guesses the origin of your shoes.

The one thing I want you to understand is that we didnt just find our fanhood this year. We acted and dressed like this for 42 years. We
party like this even in the lean years. We love the Saints even when they suck.

So, we're having a little more fun this year. Actually, I dont know whats
going to happen now--- this is new territory.

Re: My 31 Stadium Journey ends in the Big Easy
 

Don't be surprised if someone on Bourbon St. bets you they can tell you where you got your shoes...and assume that you will lose if you take the bet.