Football Fever In New Orleans
Tailgating around the Louisiana Superdome began about sunrise Thursday, even though the New Orleans Saints' season-opening NFL game with the Minnesota Vikings wasn't scheduled to start for more than 12 hours.
As the Saints prepared to open the defense of their Super Bowl title, the city was in Mardi Gras mode as schools were set to close early and concerts and a parade were held in the French Quarter. City Hall was closed for the day.
The game matches two of the league's top quarterbacks: the Saints' Drew Brees and Mississippi native Brett Favre of the Vikings.
The two teams played in last season's dramatic National Football Conference championship game, won in overtime by the Saints. New Orleans went on to win its first Super Bowl.
Across the state in Shreveport-Bossier, there was also Who Dat fever among Saints fans. Those hoping for the Saints to repeat at NFL champions are saying "Two Dat."
At Bossier City dentist Lisa Mathews' office, everyone wore Saints gear on Thursday.
Betty Welch, manager of a local Academy sports store, said there has been a run on Saints' merchandise the past few days.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. It will be televised on NBC.
Copyright 2010 KTBS. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved.
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