Kicking off with a show

September 09, 2010|Associated Press

The Saints’ first Super Bowl title was so big in New Orleans that Mardi Gras, a revered local institution dating back well over a century, became popularly known as “Lombardi Gras.’’

And while Mardi Gras ended way back on Ash Wednesday, it seems as though Lombardi Gras still isn’t over quite yet — certainly not by the looks of the French Quarter, where a massive concert stage has been built on the riverfront, overlooking historic Jackson Square.

In the hours before the defending champs kick off the NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings tonight in the Louisiana Superdome, the Big Easy will host a concert featuring Dave Matthews and Taylor Swift, an NFL-sponsored parade, and a citywide bash for which a number of schools and businesses have already decided to shut down. First lady Michelle Obama joined commissioner Roger Goodell, former coach Tony Dungy, and former players yesterday to promote the NFL’s “Play 60’’ clinic, which encourages children to exercise.

“It’s like the Super Bowl all over again,’’ Saints running back Reggie Bush said.

After the festivities move inside the dome, the Saints will raise their 2009 championship banner before kickoff.

There is one considerable difference between tonight’s game and last season’s NFC Championship game, however, as Minnesota coach Brad Childress was quick to point out. When this game ends, both teams get to keep playing.

“We’ve got 15 games after that,’’ Childress stressed. “You beat New Orleans, Miami’s coming to town. You lose to New Orleans, Miami’s coming to town.’’

Spiller to get start

Bills coach Chan Gailey named rookie running back C.J. Spiller his starter against Miami Sunday. Gailey based his decision on the spark Spiller showed through much of the preseason while Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, who split the starting duties last year, missed much of the last month with injuries. Gailey said both Jackson and Lynch will get their share of playing time . . . Giants running back Brandon Jacobs stormed off from an interview session with reporters after being questioned about his role. Jacobs has been demoted to the No. 2 back behind Ahmad Bradshaw. He refused to answer questions about comments he made last week that he was unhappy with his role . . . Giants safety Kenny Phillips, who underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee last September, worked with the Giants’ first-team defense in preparation for the opener against Carolina Sunday. Deon Grant was bumped to second team, though there’s a chance the Giants may decide to rotate Phillips and Grant.

Colts part with Ugoh