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A city with the credo "Laissez les bons temps rouler" obviously has hosted more than a few hardy parties.

Yet the sun rises today on a first for New Orleans: an NFC Championship game, with the Saints at home in the Dome.

So, this time, the natives -- along with neighbors spread along the Gulf Coast and up the Mississippi River -- are the celebrants.

The hoopla, particularly after the game, could be even more intense than during Carnival. More than any Jazz and Heritage Festival or an Essence Music Festival. Ditto 76 years worth of Sugar Bowls, even those featuring the home state LSU Tigers. And, yes, more than nine Super Bowls in the city, the prize the Saints play for at 5:40 p.m. against the Minnesota Vikings.

That does not mean the city's tourism-focused enterprises, along with the police force and other first responders, won't know what to do with themselves. But their well-practiced routines will have a few twists.

"We are the team, and we're not just hosting," said Mary Beth Romig of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. "So New Orleanians around the city and the region will be celebrating."

The New Orleans Police Department, among the nation's most experienced at crowd control, is increasing its presence throughout the city. Some hospitals are bracing for an uptick in emergency room visits that invariably come from libation-aided celebration -- or angry protest in wake of defeat.

Regardless of their locations, bars and restaurants with televisions are preparing for an onslaught, those that are closer to the party are at least wrapping the usual in black and gold, such as the fleur de lis that graced the lapels of some Galatoire's staff late in the week.

"Usually I say it's for the city, but this week it's for the Saints," said Bradley Gooch, a member of the Galatoire family. "I had someone offer me $200 for it yesterday."

The downstairs dining room wasn't decorated for the game late in the week, but Galatoire's manager David Gooch, Bradley's father, promised it would be by this afternoon. "We have some regular customers who usually take care of that," he said.

The elder Gooch said his restaurant and others in the Quarter are accustomed to full dining rooms for big Superdome events. But, he said, Sunday's kickoff will extend the rush. August and Red Fish Grill are among those who are extending their hours to seat tables after the game ends.

The biggest financial boon, Romig said, is likely to be the food-and-beverage establishments located away from the French Quarter or downtown, where Mardi Gras and Superdome events concentrate tourists, fans and revelers. "We certainly can't quantify it yet, but anecdotally I can tell you those restaurateurs are expecting a big day," she said, her forecast confirmed by a look at most any marquee in River Bend, Mid-City, Metairie or New Orleans east. "A lot of people will see a residual effect, and not just Sunday."

Hoteliers, she said, will not enjoy the cash-flow that accompanies more tourist-driven events. But they are going to do better than they would in a typical late January weekend, by which time the Saints have usually called it a season. The city's hotels were expected to be about 80 percent full Saturday night and should be "in the high 70s" today, she said.

At NOPD, spokesman Robert Young declined to answer most questions about the specifics of police plans for game day.

Superintendent Warren Riley said on WBOK radio this week that he would "have a larger (than usual) force at the Dome," with about 70 additional officers on duty to deploy to the French Quarter upon a Saints victory. Riley did not say whether he anticipates that the extra force would be needed should the Saints lose.

Young confirmed that additional forces are ready to patrol other areas of the city, as well, another practice that is not as prevalent with previous major events in the city.
At Tulane Medical Center and Interim LSU Public Hospital, the two hospitals closest to the Superdome, executives and doctors indicated that they don't expect they will have more than they can handle from Saints fans.
Dr. Juzar Ali Ali, medical director at the interim successor to Charity Hospital, said his staff "is well experienced in dealing with events ... and we are aware of the anticipated load. We have made the appropriate staffing additions."
He compared the staffing levels to a Sugar Bowl or other big Superdome event. Still, he added, "We have a back up plan."
Mark Romig of Tulane said his hospital is treating the day like any other Saints home game: additional personnel for more patients.
Well away from the shadows of the Dome, East Jefferson General Hospital spokesman Keith Darcey said the emergency department is doing the same thing, though it's not as routine in Metairie. Darcey said emergency physicians last week, for the divisional playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, saw various ailments of fans who overindulged on food, alcohol and fun, yielding everything from gastrointestinal difficulties to injuries from falls -- or stunts gone wrong -- and car accidents. This week, he said, likely will bring the same.
Besides knowing they'll be busy today, the bosses at these various establishments made their plans knowing that a few employees might rather be somewhere else, since doctors, nurses, police and waiters are no different than other Saints fans who want to be in the Dome or at a party. But, Darcey said, working when others aren't is at the heart of some professions.
David Gooch sneered when asked whether some of his staff begged off Sunday duty. Nodding, he said, "If you're on the schedule, you either work, find a replacement or find somewhere else to work." Of course, he said, "Those who are here will do well."
And at the hospitals, there might be a tradeoff. "I'm sure the people who work" today, Darcey said, "are already planning their vacation requests for Super Bowl Sunday."

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