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.
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.
