The Saints host the Falcons on Monday Night Football, and the team has big plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team’s return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Shirin Braden, the vice president of brand strategy for the Saints, says Saints legends and New Orleans music icons will help remember a historic night in Louisiana sports.
“Truly, a rebirth of not only a team and what they went on to do for their franchise and the history that they made, ultimately leading up to the Super Bowl, but also what that night meant to the city as a whole,” Braden explained.
Although kickoff is not until 7:15, the celebration kicks off at 4:00 in Champions Square, where Steve Gleason’s new music album, “Rebirth,” will debut. Braden says Irma Thomas will sing the national anthem as she did in 2006, and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will headline a halftime show featuring Eric Church, Kirk Franklin, Juvenile and Cyril and Ivan Neville.
“It really should be just a party from the beginning to end, and we cannot wait to welcome everybody from across the region back to the Dome,” Braden noted.
Several players from the 2006 team, including Gleason, Drew Brees and Curtis Deloatch – who recovered Gleason’s blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown – will be honored at the game. Braden says Team Gleason has been very involved in ensuring Monday night is unforgettable.
“Steve will also be an honorary captain that night, so we’ll see him take the field and will also be leading the ‘Who Dat’ chant,” Braden said.