The show took place in New Orleans approximately 36 hours after a terrorist attack hit the city.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day, at least 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured after Shamsud-Din Jabbar allegedly drove a white van into a crowd in the French Quarter.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl was scheduled to be played just a couple miles away on Wednesday night, but was postponed to Thursday afternoon.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, celebrates with fans in the stands after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. (Images by Amber Searls-Imagn)
Despite the delay, Caesars Superdome was packed as Notre Dame earned a 23-10 victory over Georgia to advance in the College Football Playoff.
It was unclear for at least a while when, and potentially even where, the game would be played. However, although with greater security, everything went normally during Thursday’s game.
After being named Offensive Player of the Game, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard thanked Fighting Irish fans for attending the game in what is surely a confusing and scary time.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, makes a pass during the first quarter at the Caesars Superdome. (Images by Stephen Lew-Imagn)
OHIO STATE MARSHAL WILL HOWARD CAN’T TAKE ROSE BOWL CELEBRATION STAGE: ‘THEY’RE BLOCKING ME’
“It’s been a very difficult week. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected a couple of days ago. We’re praying for them. But for all of these Notre Dame fans to show up anyway, it means a lot to us. We’re sorry. everyone playing, I promise you,” Leonard told ESPN onstage.
Before the game, there was a moment of silence for the victims and chants of “USA” echoed through the crowd after the national anthem.
Jabbar’s truck was flying an ISIS flag during the attack. He was killed after a shootout with the police.
Jabbar, a 42-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas, drove a rented Ford pickup truck with weapons and a possible improvised explosive device (IED) into a crowd of New Year’s revelers at approximately 3:15 a.m. local time on Wednesday. killing at least 15 and injuring more than 30 others. Authorities said other possible improvised explosive devices were also located in the French Quarter.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard, #13, celebrates with fans in the stands after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. (Images by Amber Searls-Imagn)
Authorities say Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran who recently held a six-figure job, opened fire on law enforcement officers, who returned fire, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
