Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?


Here at WWL, we 're always talking sports in our staff meetings...the question now-what do you talk about when you've entered the "dead zone" this time of the year? The other day, we tossed around the topic--greatest Saints memories in the Superdome.

What tops the list?

Believe it or not, some of us were a little torn between "re-opening of the Superdome after Katrina" and "Garrett Hartley's kick that sent the Saints to their first Super Bowl ever." We also had a small debate about including "Hakim drops the ball."

I think the choice is clear, but you guys can help settle the debate. "I think it has to be the Hartley kick," said Saints color analyst Hokie Gajan. "That was a first in Saints history... something many fans thought they would never see," continued Gajan.

Bobby Hebert quickly jumped in, "No...no, it was the reopening of the Superdome after hurricane Katrina. It was a symbol to the rest of the country that New Orleans was back in business, not to mention it was against the Falcons--their biggest rival."

WWL's Steve Geller was really torn, "I think it's all great. That night in the dome, when they re-opened was huge...but then you have the NFC championship game. And, hey, I grew in New Jersey watching the Eagles make nightmares not memories, so I'm on the fence."

As the conversation continued to roll, Big Chief Deke Bellavia walks in and says, "Man, are you serious? I know they had some great memories in that Dome--the Ali-Spinks fight, the Roberto Duran/Sugar Ray fight, Chris Weber calling a time out against UNC...but I think it has to be 'Hakim drops the ball.' If you think about it, that was the first playoff win in franchise history...pretty significant. Then again, the kick by Hartley should be right there with it."

For my money, without question it has to be "Garrett Hartley's game winning kick in the NFC title game"... and the call by Jim Henderson that followed, "It's good...it's gooooooooood... pigs have flown... hell has frozen over...the Saints are on their way to the Super Bowl."

I know the re-opening of the Superdome is significant...no doubt about it, but as far as pure bliss, and emotion? Forty-three years of frustration, angst, and despair flushed down the drain in one play. Wow... it doesn't get much better than that! Sure "Hakim drops the ball" belongs in the discussion. I'm calling on you Who Dat Nation! Can you help settle the debate?

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I've never been to the Superdome, but one day before I die I will get there. As far as the greatest moment goes, it has to be that Monday night September 25, 2006.

We all watched as that gigantic storm headed straight into New Orleans. The levees broke and waters rushed in. Those who had somewhere to go and a way to get there left. Many of those who didn't, or couldn't, took refuge in the Superdome. The television was filled with scenes of the people, the cots, the leaking roof. It didn't take a genius to figure the conditions inside were deplorable, but at least it was shelter.

In the sports side of the news, the Saints were moving to Texas. It was all, but a done deal. New Orleans was dying and according to some better left dead. It was time to move the team somewhere else.

Then after months of a swamped city and the amazing inability of our government to take care of our own people comes a Monday night in September....


Now I'll not argue that kick was a fantastic moment. But it was just one more in a series of fantastic moments that night. Yes I celebrated way beyond the rest of my non Who Dat friends I was watching the game with. Yes I really dished out some smack to the Viking fan that was there, but still it didn't compare with that Monday night in September.

I didn't yell that Monday night. I didn't dance or run around the house. In fact I watched that game by myself. The feeling from that moment is so much deeper, so much more memorable than from any field goal or dropped ball. Wherever you were that September night, you had to have heard and felt all that was coming from that dome. It was a city telling the world, "We're still here and hope is alive!" That moment is as clear in mind now as when it happened and stands head and shoulders above anything else to have ever happened in the Superdome.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

its all great memories and my#1 is the hartly kick, i never in all the ones listed had to take turns going to the rest room with family and buddies to cry and wipe tears. no contest to me.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I took my Nephew to his first game when the Saints played the Rams in the playoffs. He was wide-eyed and smiling from the moment we got out of the vehicle until atleast two weeks after that. LOL. Great game. Great crowd. Great memories. He got married a year ago and recently named their first dog Brees.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

It's been a long time, since i've been in the dome. So it would have to be
"HAkim drops the ball!".

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

My favorite moment would have to be the look on the Patriots side line when we spanked them last year in front of a National audience. Belicheat and Brady looked just broken up over it. :popcorn:

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I'll let you know after I come down this year. Just being there.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I'm hoping that you don't come down for a few years. Who Dat II! :bng:

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

Besides the above mentioned, (my vote is "hell freezes over")

in '88 we were sailing toward our 2nd winning season, a possible division
title, playoffs, and respect. We were looking good & kicking azz. But facing the scariest QB in football, John Elway. I guess it was November. Very similiar to this past years Patriot game, where everyone was going, "ok, here's the real test." First play of the game, aliens kidnapped Mora, and replaced him with someone who let Hebert open it up-- which he did, bombing the Broncos, and we never looked back. 42-0 win over a Super Bowl contender, and one happy drive home.

I had no idea it was a all a mirage that would take 22 more years to vindicate. But we had a lot of happy moments -- usually when opponents, other than the 49ers, were on third and long. Anyone who was there knows what Im talking about.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

Since I was at the game, has to be when Hakim dropped the ball. My guess is that was easily topped by the kick that got the Saints to the Super Bowl.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

What !!! Oh I'm coming back.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I love it !! That was great. GEAUX SAINTS!! TWO DAT !

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

It still has to be the Return to the Dome game.... My god the emotion in that building that night... I swore to my 16 (at the time) year old son that I would not cry... but when they played the Saints are Coming and then a shot of Hollywood Joe Horn in the tunnel firing up the team.... the lady that sits in front of me turned around and said "I NEVER thought we would be in here again"... with tears running down her eyes... I totally lost it...

Number two of course would be Hartley's kick

Hakeem Dropped the ball... remember we had never won a playoff game at that point and it appeared for all the world that the Rams were going to stage a massive comeback...

Number 4 would be Duuueeecccee running out the clock to send us to our first Championship game

Number 5 for me will probably never hit anyone's radar.... and was actually a loss...Circa 1983 (??) we stood at 8-7 playing the Rams yet again... first winning season and a playoff on the line....the Dome Patrol was just being formed.. we dominated on defense and led 19-17 with 2 minutes to play... Bum forgoes a long FG by Andersen and we punted... When the defense came out on the field the crowd was as loud as I have ever heard... including last year... the offense was standing on the benchs waving towels... absolute pandemoneum... until the Rams drove down... Our CB (forget his name)... allows their receiver to step out of bounds with 3 seconds... and then Landsford kicks a long field goal to beat us.... the Dome went from jet engine loud to absolute silence... absolute silence for about 15 seconds... then slowly everyone started clapping... not cheering.. just clapping... thanking that team for getting us so close..

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

There are so many memories that I have had at the 'dome and just watching the Saints. But my personal favourite has to be when I took my then girlfriend (I actually don't like that word but can't think of a better one at the moment) to the 'dome for her birthday and we beat the Falcons 22-16. Just the look on her face as she looked out on the field for the first time was a memory I will cherish forever. Now my wife, she is one of the most fervent Saints fans I know, though to be honest I know very few, but her passion is undeniable and woe betide anyone that even hints that they are not keen on the Black and Gold (knows all the words to Get Crunk' too)

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I remember that game well... man, the heartbreak.

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

Chiefs/Saints Nov 14th 2004...I had been to 7 games on the west coast..the saints had LOST EVERY FREAKIN ONE OF THEM....met Fred thomas on bourbon the night before (never asked him why he was out before a game) ..anyway, he noticed my brother and I during warm ups at the game the next day... had security escort us on the field..the night was better than my wedding, AND I DONT CARE IF SHE READS THIS. He told my brother and I we were the best saints fans he had EVER met. ( SO SORRY M Frs..) we kicked the chiefs ars, but one thing sticks out, I remember the chiefs fans singing during the national anthem " And the hooome of theeeee CHIEFS" and I was pissed and have hated them ever since. The Dbag sitting behind us asked us why we were cheering during first downs????? I though WTF when this guy was all surprised we were cheering...anyway, it was awesome!!!! I will post some pics as soon as I can figure out how to

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

oh yeah...we were the last ones out of the dome that night...and we (my brother and i) could NOT stop crying when the game was over, since we had traveled all the way from New Mexico to see our saints and they finally won...oh man...memories :)

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oh...and Joe horn had a great night... :)

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

That was a great story. Thanks !

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

Well mine would be the re-opening of the dome probly because I was at that game !!!! It just felt soooooo amazing in there !!!!!! Literally made me shed a tear as I walked into the superdome !!!

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

I agree.:bng:

Re: Greatest Saints memory in the Superdome?
 

Greatest Saints Memory....
No particular date , but the years of the Dome Patrol-Vaughn Johnson-Rickey Jackson-Sam Mills-Pat Swilling and others with Morten Anderson as place kicker were pretty exciting games during their years.

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Re-opening after Katrina. U2 singing the Saints are coming and a big whooping on the Falcons. Was a great year even though we lost to the Bears.