Georgia-Notre Dame Sugar Bowl delayed 24 hours, new kickoff time set

NEW ORLEANS — Georgia’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Notre Dame is highly anticipated, but after a tragic attack on Bourbon Street on Wednesday morning, the Bulldogs and Fighting Irish will have to wait a day to play. Postponement of the game originally scheduled for 8:45 p.m. ET on New Year’s Day until Thursday, expected at the same time, was announced by the city of New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl committee.

“Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we’ll work through this. Of course anytime we have a major event in the city of New Orleans public safety is paramount, and we have full faith and confidence in the governor, the mayor and all the assets, the federal, state and local resources they’ve applied to this event so we can ultimately bring those responsible to justice and carry on with the major events we have in front of us,” Sugar Bowl director Jeff Hundley shared during the police press conference. “We were scheduled to have a CFP quarterfinal played in the Superdome at 7:45 (CT). We have been in consultation with ESPN, the College Football Playoff, the Southeastern Conference, the University of Georgia and Notre Dame, all parties, and all agree that it’s in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours.”

“Work is fast about to set up a safe, efficient and fun environment for tomorrow night. There will be more details on that in the coming hours, but for now, that’s the plan and we’re going to move forward with to play the game.”

The decision to postpone comes after multiple reports on Wednesday that the game would likely be played as scheduled but with heightened security measures. Sugar Bowl and Caesar’s Superdome employees were told to hold tight on reporting to work earlier in the day with a soft lockdown but that was lifted later in the morning.

According to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, the Georgia football team is currently taking a “shelter in place” approach at the team hotel. That is not a city policy but one that UGA is employing to keep those around the program safe. According to a statement from the athletic association, no one with the program or the traveling party was injured in the attack. The same is also true for Notre Dame according to multiple reports.

Around 3:15 a.m CT a truck raced into tourists on Bourbon Street with a firefight ensuing after the vehicle came to a stop. The attack killed at least 10 and left 35 more people injured. The suspect, Shamsud Din Jabbar, was killed by authorities.

According to UGA president Jere Morehead, who released a statement earlier, a Georgia student was injured in the incident.

“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,” Morehead said. “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.”

New Orleans & Company Statement

“New Orleans & Company is in touch with city and state officials and is monitoring the tragic mass casualty incident that occurred on Bourbon Street early on the morning of New Year’s Day. We send our deepest condolences to all of the victims and their families. We defer to the FBI, New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police and city officials for updates on exactly what occurred and the ongoing investigation. Initial reports indicate this was an intentional act of violence, which we condemn. In New Orleans, ours is a culture of community and inclusivity and we welcome millions of people every year to join us. We continue to mourn for those impacted. We know that the spirit of New Orleans is one of resilience that cannot be diminished by this horrific act.” – Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, said

University of Georgia Athletics Statement

“We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence that occurred in New Orleans. All team personnel and members of the official team travel party have been accounted for. Currently, we are in contact with local law enforcement as well as representatives from the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff and are continuing to gather more information. Our prayers are with all those who traveled here for the Sugar Bowl and entire New Orleans community.”

Josh Brooks, J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, Statement

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this horrific event, and we are here to support them in any way possible. As a native Louisianian, I know how special this place is. The people of New Orleans and this entire community are resilient and will remain strong during this time of healing.”