New Orleans is a very unique city in America. We love to eat and drink probably more than what's healthy for us. It's home to two of the largest music festivals within the united states, Jazz fest and Essence fest of which the former just passed a few months ago and the later is this weekend. New Orleans is also home to what us locals call "Carnival" officially beginning on the Feast of epiphany, which locals sometimes refer to as "Twelfth Night". The Carnival season is often known (especially by out-of-towners) by the name of its last day, Mardi Gras (Frenchfor "Fat Tuesday"), which is held the Tuesday before the beginning of the Catholic liturgical season of Lent, which commences on Ash Wednesday.
One other thing we love and take much pride in is our sports teams. New Orleans is home to a wide variety of sporting events. Most notable are the home games of the New Orleans Saints(NFL) and the New Orleans Hornets (NBA), New Orleans Voodoo (AFL),The New Orleans Blaze are a women's football team in the National womans football association.
The annual Sugar Bowl, the annual Zurich classic (PGA Tour) and horse racing at the Fair grounds race course, the nations third oldest thoroughbred track. Also, New Orleans regularly hosts the Super Bowl, the college football BCS National Championship game, and the NCAA college basketball Final Four.
Special Football Games:
Sugar Bowl -- New Orleans has been home to the annual Sugar Bowl since 1935. Originally played at Tulane Stadium, it has been played in the Louisiana Superdome since 1975.
The Bayou Classic -- an annual football game between two historically black universities, Grambling State and Southern University.
Super Bowl -- More Super Bowls have been played at the Louisiana Superdome than at any other sports facility: 1978, 1981, 1986, 1990, 1997, and 2002.
BCS National Championship Game -- The Louisiana Superdome rotates with three other locations as the host for the BCS National Championship Game. The Superdome hosted the BCS National Championship Game in 2000, 2004, 2008, and will continue to do so in 2012, 2016, etc.
New Orleans Bowl -- New Orleans has been home to the annual New Orleans bowl since 2001.
ArenaBowl -- New Orleans played host to the AFL's Championship game in 2007 and 2008.
Special Basketball Games:
The Final Four -- the Superdome hosted the NCAA college basketball Final Four in 1982, 1987, 1993, and 2003.
NBA All Star Game -- The NBA All Star Game was hosted by New Orleans
Former Sports teams and events in New Orleans:
In 1991, 1992, and 1995, New Orleans was home to the Grand Prix du Mardi Gras. The sports car races took place on 2 different street circuits downtown. The circuit used in 1991 used streets near the riverfront, but was regarded as being too narrow. A course that ran around the Superdome was used the other years. Low attendance, dates that resulted in hot or rainy weather, and complaints from business owners contributed to the event's demise.
The New Orleans Halfmoons, a women's rugby team and member of USA Rugby, was disbanded after its members were scattered by Hurricane Katrina. The Halfmoons, one of the oldest women's teams in the United States, hosted the annual "Throw Me Something Rugger" tournament held the weekend before Fat Tuesday. Feb 2007, the Halfmoons returned to once again host the annual tournament.
The New Orleans Shell Shockers are a soccer team in the USL Premier Development League. Former soccer teams in New Orleans include the New Orleans Storm (1993-1999).
Former football teams in New Orleans include the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League (which became the Portland Breakers) and the New Orleans Night of the Arena Football League (1991–1992).
Former baseball teams in New Orleans include the New Orleans Pelicans (1887–1959; 1977)
Former ice hockey teams in New Orleans include the New Orleans Brass (1997–2003).
Some notable athletes from New Orleans are:
Will Clark, former MLB star, Infielder
David Dixon, father of the New Orleans Saints, the Louisiana Superdome, the USFL and World Championship Tennis; member of the Tennis Hall of Fame
Clyde Drexler, former NBA star, Member of the NBA HOF inductee
Marshall Faulk,former NFL star (Rams-Colts)
Danny Granger, forward for the Indiana Pacers
Avery Johnson, former NBA player and former coach of the Dallas Mavericks
Michael Lewis, former New Orleans Saints Wide receiver, Kick Returner
Eli Manning, New Your Giants quarterback
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Tory James, CB for the Cincinnati Bengals
Ankhit Sheth, bowler for the GW Cricket team Former Under 19 US Cricket National Team Starter
Niel Smith, former Defensive End Kansas City Cheifs
Kordell Stewart, quarterback
Ron Swoboda, former New Yourk Mets outfielder
Reggie Wayne, WR for the Indianapolis Colts
Aeneas Williams, former CB for the St.Louis Rams
Coming from one of the smallest major cities in the U.S. that's pretty remarkable. Is New Orleans "King" of the sports world? That might depend on who you ask. Although we've been having a few down years since Hurricane Katrina, at times just like any state it can be a hot bed of talent.
It's a wonderful city, with some very wonderful citizens. I've been here for 34 great years and I'm proud to call it home.
I was able to visit your hometown last summer. I thoroughly enjoyed the short time I was able to spend there down in the French Quarter... Since the visit I've read up on some of the history of the city and of Louisiana as well. I didn't know the French used Louisiana as a penal colony much like the Brits did with Georgia and Australia. They initially sent only men to Louisiana until they raised hell about not having any women. So the French sent in a large contingent of women prisioners! Over the years the people from those beginnings became the upper class in New Orleans and the basis of the Creole and Cajun peoples... Interesting stuff! The city has an atmosphere all it's own and I'm certainly glad it seems to be finally recovering from the horrific hurricane Katrina damage!
I know you're very proud of your city and state, and justifiably so.
It's great that you have much pride in NO, but I live in a city where we can boast three things; the Stanley Cup, a corrupt city government, and rapidily declining industry. Ummm, never mind the last two; I'm just joking! New Orleans has plenty of history on its side in sports, and I'm sure more will be made in the very near future.
Gambitxxx. New Orleans is my favorite place in the world and you paint a beautiful picture with this post. I could not live there due to my life expectancy dropping a good thirty percent. What a way to go though! The most incredible people I have ever met and felt a kindred with. My ears ache for that beautiful language spoken there. It is good to see you up on your hind legs and walkin' again.
Dwindy,
Glad you was able to visit New Orleans and please do return somday. Next Time try coming during Mardi gras and you'll get the full affect of just how much we love to eat and drink in excess.
France sure did use this state (province at the time) as a penal colony. Which may be a reason we are known as the murder capitol of the world also, more murders than any city per capita.
As far as recovery goes we learned real early aftyer Katrina that if we want our city to return and even be greater than befor we would have to do it ourselves along with the help of some good hearted and wonderful volunteers from around the country. Our corrupt local poloticians and Federal goverment has taken to long to help. So screw them and they can keep their mony.
I am extremely proud of not only my city, but it's citizens and also our sports teams both big and small.
Downs,
Thx and your to funny. Corrupt city gov.I feel you on that one, it's the same here. thx for commenting.
Rev.
Checkout my post just befor this one. I'm doing much better now though. thx for careing.
goutdaddy,
Wow! I'm glad you love it here that much. We love visitors to our city. In fact you guys are what keeps this city going. We are a proud lot and want to share all our goodness with the world. thx and it's good to be back.
Underage,
Same to you my young friend and be safe.
slshusker,
it just seems to fall out that way for whatever reason, Not our fault. Besides we are an SEC team and tthe Sugar Bowl was made for the SEC. I know it'sa unfair but does USC get that same lack of respect for playing at home also year in and year out?
p.s. the heads fine now after having more trouble with it. thx I have a variaty of tunes now.
Gambitt-very nice piece on some of the history behind New Orleans sports I unfourtunayly haven't had the chance to get down there as of yet but one day I plan on making the trip.
1. Mel Ott, First Lefty to hit 500 Home Runs
2. Mel Parnell, Left-Handed pitcher for the BoSox
3. Ritchie Petibon, former Redskins coach and five-time all pro defensive back
I love the fact that you're representin our city. I lived in Slidell for about 10 years then moved to Bloomington IN to go to school. After about a week of being there, (gross but true) my skin started flaking off because of the lack of humidity! When I came back for Christmas, and suddenly felt like I could breathe again, I knew I had to move back. Honestly, my favorite thing about the city is St. Charles Ave. If you drive from Uptown to Downtown, you start out in the not so nice part of town, then through the priciest and high class part, only to end up in the #### at the very end around St. Claude.
P.S....what did you think of that show K-Ville that came out awhile back. I remember one episode where they were pulling toxic waste barrels out of the "swamp". When they cut to the scene, my wife and I jumped out of our seats "That's in City #### Park!!!". I love the city, but it's always a fine line when someone uses its charm as a commercial.
gambitxxx
You'd be hard pressed to get Lisa H or anyone else from the West Coast to align themselves with the argument that you're eliciting. But I'd say from the offset that the Crescent City is a great place merely becaus of its historical significance.
It does play a great part in the history of sports. And I think that's personified primarily by the likes of Eddie Robinson and of what was achieved there. But that's just my personal opinion at this juncture.
A belated 4th of July greetings to you and the immediate family !
See my most recent NFL post and let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece ? It's titled Greed Is Good When You Only Care About Yourselves And Not The Consumers Of The Product !
I'll look forward to reading your comments as and when you're ready.
Jokers,
Thx my friend. We've been waiting to long for you to come down. Don't you think it's about time? I suggest you make a better effort or I'll have to put a Gris-Gris on your #### LOL! Thx for commenting.
Fighten Fugee,
Yeah I meant tot put Mel Ott and Petibon but it slipped my mind. Thx for addding them.
volfan,
thx and it was a great 4th. I hope you had as much fun as I did. take care enjoy your weekend. 55 days till college football kicks off whooooooooo!
plutonium,
thx and I will always rep us well my friend. I'm sooo New Orleans like 1825 Tulane.
LMAO! Yeah I tried to live in beautiful N.C I lasted about a month and had to come home. I love Royal and also Canal st. not to mention I love just finding some little ducked off resturant to eat in. Yesterday I went to see the fireworks at the river. It was absolutely beautiful. Did you know it was rated 5th most must see fireworks display? That blew me away when I read that. Just another reason to be proud of the Crescent city.
K-ville was a very good show. Problem was that they couldn't get a national audience to watch it. It did great in local ratings but that's not what matterd I guess. I think a local station should have picked up the rights to air it. I actually have a friend (with benefits) who worked as a production assistant on that show. Take care my brother from another mother.
slshusker,
You like that don't you!!!!
justan'
Can always count on you for a good comment. L.A. is a wonderful city but not many can boast like New Orleans can. Ahhhh glad you brought up the late Eddie Robins
gambitxxx
Like any major metropolis across the country each has its own distinct identifiable feature. New Orleans is steeped in tradition , culture and resourcefulness. The same can be said of LA . But it's the superficial traits that I think that gets to most when one discusses that city as well as NYC .
And nowehere is this more transparent than when it comes to its politics and legislative officials. Though it can be said that the Crescent City isn't without its own malaprops .
I know , I know all girlie men are not created equal within the state of Califurrrnia , his pronounciation not mine.
Former porn star turned political activist...Mary Carey. Would they've been better off voting for her ? She'd be giving things to them straight.
justan' aka tophatal ...........
Last edited by justanotherfan on July 5th at 8:33 AM.
Whaddup Gambit!
Glad to see some reads from you. This is a tough stretch between Basketball and Football season. Wimbeldon just dont do it for me bro. Anyhow thanks for the read and let's add some championships to that list in February man. Go Saints!!
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
