UPDATED with new start time for the postponed Sugar Bowl.
The Sugar Bowl, a cherished college football tradition for 90 years, has been postponed by one day following a horrific attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. The tragedy left at least 10 people dead and over 30 injured.
As law enforcement officials work to piece together the chaotic events on Bourbon Street, organizers of the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced during a news conference that the game between Notre Dame and the University of Georgia, originally scheduled for this evening, will now take place on Thursday. ESPN, which had planned to broadcast the game from New Orleans’ Superdome at 8:45 p.m. ET, confirmed the rescheduled game will now begin at 4 p.m. ET.
Details of the Attack
The attack unfolded at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time when a man driving a pickup truck appeared to intentionally ram into a crowd of revelers on Bourbon Street, a bustling tourist hub in the French Quarter. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar, was shot dead by police at the scene.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential terrorist act. According to the Associated Press, officials believe Jabbar may not have acted alone. Investigators found an Islamic State group flag on the vehicle’s trailer hitch, further fueling speculation about the attack’s motives.
Impact on the Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl, part of the college football playoff series, is one of the most anticipated games of the New Year’s bowl season, especially given the high rankings of the competing teams. Notre Dame, ranked No. 7 nationally, is set to face the No. 2 University of Georgia team. Tragically, the University of Georgia confirmed that one of its students was critically injured in the attack. Jere Morehead, president of the university, called the incident an “unspeakable event” and praised first responders for their swift actions.
Jeff Hundley, CEO of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, released a statement expressing sorrow over the tragedy. “We are devastated by the terrible events from early this morning,” Hundley said.
Statements from Notre Dame and University of Georgia
Rev. Robert Dowd, president of Notre Dame, issued a statement expressing both shock and gratitude. “To be in solidarity with those who suffer is to exemplify the spirit of Notre Dame. Today, we are in solidarity with all of those impacted by this tragedy,” Dowd stated, acknowledging the bravery of the first responders who intervened during the attack.
The University of Georgia’s president, Jere Morehead, echoed similar sentiments, calling for unity and support for the victims and their families.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI’s investigation into the attack is ongoing. Early evidence suggests that Jabbar may have been influenced by extremist ideologies, though officials have not ruled out other potential motives. Law enforcement continues to work tirelessly to determine whether others were involved in planning or executing the attack.
A Community in Mourning
The postponement of the Sugar Bowl reflects the gravity of the tragedy and the need to honor those affected. While the game will proceed on Thursday, the horrific events of New Year’s Day will undoubtedly cast a somber shadow over the festivities. As New Orleans grapples with this senseless act of violence, the football community and fans across the nation come together in mourning and solidarity with the victims and their families.
