NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The New Orleans Saints will start their preseason this Saturday afternoon (August 15) at home in the Superdome against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s their first and only preseason game in front of a home crowd, and Who Dat fans from across the region are expected to pack the stands for a first look at the team before the season actually kicks off.
And while the fan base prepares for the upcoming season, so are businesses within walking distance of the stadium. The NFL season typically starts toward the end of New Orleans’ annual tourism slump, when fewer visitors come to the city due to the humid weather or the risk of hurricanes.
Just a few blocks away from the Superdome, the staff at Mother’s Restaurant are getting all their supplies ready for Saturday’s rush of Saints fans before and after the game. The Poydras St. staple has been open for nearly 90 years and will serve Saints fans for its 60th year this season.
“Oh it’s a lot of fun. They are so energized and bring such joy to the city,” general manager Marvin Gash said.
At Poydras St. and O’Keefe Ave., staff at Taquerias Carnalito want to impress Who Dats for their second year in business. The quick-service restaurant focuses on traditional Mexican street food—tacos, quesadillas, elote and more.
“They really like this restaurant. We wait on fans before and after the game,” general manager Alex Mora said.
Near the taco spot, the city’s newest speakeasy, Tragos Amargos, has staffers ready for their first Saints season after opening their doors three months ago.
“We are waiting for you all and we hope to pour awesome cocktails this week,” manager Ivan Castillo said.
Castillo says the bar aims to be a premium space for fans -- it’s just a matter of finding the right way to get the door-- a colorful jukebox -- to open.
“You play the song in order to get into this amazing different place,” Castillo said.
The restaurant’s staffers all say they can’t wait to welcome in the football crowd yet again, especially after recent closures in the city like Johnny Sánchez just blocks away from the stadium.
They hope the season brings hungry and thirsty fans eager to help keep them afloat.
“We are all begging people, please come and see us. Please come experience New Orleans,” Gash said.
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