The Sugar Bowl was set to host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. However, after 10 people were killed and 35 more injured in what the FBI is investigating as an “act of terrorism” less than a mile from the Caesars Superdome, the game has officially been postponed.
Why Was the Sugar Bowl Postponed?
As New Year’s festivities were underway in the early hours of Wednesday morning (approximately 3:15 a.m. local time), a Ford truck struck a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ popular French Quarter. The suspect then engaged in a firefight with police officers, injuring two, before he was killed.
The Caesars Superdome was placed on lockdown for security sweeps shortly after, and the Sugar Bowl Committee announced they were communicating with authorities to decide further action.
Statement from the Sugar Bowl Committee pic.twitter.com/OmatGg9h4y
— Allstate Sugar Bowl (@SugarBowlNola) January 1, 2025
Additionally, per WGNO, stadium workers have been told not to go to work “at this time.”
University of Georgia president Jere W. Morehead has also put out a statement as the Bulldogs football team is “sheltered in place” at a nearby hotel:
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating attack in New Orleans overnight, and I extend my sincere condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
“At this point, we have learned that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack and is receiving medical treatment. I have spoken to the student’s family and shared my concern, support and well wishes on behalf of the entire UGA community. I would like to express my gratitude to all the first responders who moved so quickly to help those affected by this senseless act of violence, as well as to the medical personnel who are caring for the injured.
As we continue to hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers, the University will do everything in its power to support those in our community who have been impacted by this unspeakable event.”
When Will the Sugar Bowl Be Played?
The Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia has not received an official postponement date.
Via ABC News, District Attorney of Orleans Parish Jason Williams said, “As of right now, it’s only being postponed one day.” That would mean the contest would be played on Thursday, Jan. 2, though a kickoff time has not been specified.
However, ESPN’s Pete Thamel posted on X, “Have been told by sources that the Sugar Bowl will be postposed. There’s no official date set yet for when it will be played. Officials are huddling and monitoring a fluid situation, and the game being played tomorrow is in discussion.”
Thamel then reported that Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said the contest, which was originally set to kick off at 8:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, would be played on Thursday.
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