The Sugar Bowl has been rescheduled to Thursday following the truck attack in New Orleans
he College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, featuring Georgia and Notre Dame, has been rescheduled from Wednesday due to a tragic pickup truck attack in New Orleans that resulted in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Initially set for 7:45 p.m. Central at the 70,000-seat Caesars Superdome, the game will now take place at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The victorious team will proceed to the Orange Bowl on January 9 to compete against Penn State.
"Public safety is our top priority," stated Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley during a press conference with federal, state, and local officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "All involved parties concur that postponing the game is in the best interest of public safety."
In a subsequent statement, Hundley mentioned that efforts are being made to ensure that the Sugar Bowl remains a first-class, enjoyable, and secure event, as it has been for over 90 years.
Landry expressed his gratitude for the collaboration among the Sugar Bowl leadership, New Orleans, the State of Louisiana, and federal authorities, emphasizing their commitment to providing a safe environment for all attendees.
The decision to delay the game followed a security sweep of the Superdome after two improvised explosive devices were discovered at the site of the attack in the French Quarter. Jason Williams, the Orleans Parish district attorney, informed ABC News that investigators are conducting a thorough search to ascertain whether additional explosive devices were present.
By Wednesday afternoon, some credentialed Superdome staff were allowed access to their offices. The attack, which also left over 30 individuals injured, occurred around 3:15 a.m. CT on Wednesday in New Orleans.
The vibrant French Quarter of New Orleans is renowned globally as a premier destination for New Year's Eve celebrations. Following a recent attack, the driver of the vehicle involved was killed during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement, as reported by the FBI, which is collaborating with various partners to investigate the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
The vehicle collided with a crowd on Bourbon Street, and upon coming to a halt, the driver—identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran from Texas—exited the truck and opened fire on the responding officers, according to the New Orleans police. The officers returned fire, resulting in Jabbar's death.
Among the victims was former Princeton football player Tiger Bech, recognized as an All-Ivy League kick returner. His brother, former TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, expressed his grief on social media, stating, "You inspired me every day; now you get to be with me in every moment."
At least one student from Georgia sustained critical injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical care, as confirmed by the institution. Both the University of Georgia Athletic Association and Notre Dame have stated that they have accounted for all team members and official travel party personnel.
Throughout the day, both teams remained in their hotels, conducting meetings in ballrooms. Georgia's players traveled by bus to the Superdome for a walk-through practice on Wednesday evening. As they proceeded to the buses on Canal Street, fans dressed in red and black gathered behind barricades, cheering enthusiastically and capturing the moment on their phones.
Simultaneously, at a hotel along the Mississippi River, Notre Dame players convened with family members in a ballroom where the Rose Bowl quarterfinal between Ohio State and Oregon was being broadcast.
Notre Dame provided band members with the option to return home on Thursday instead of attending the game, and some opted for this choice.
"The decision to postpone tonight's Sugar Bowl was made in the best interest of public safety."
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issued a statement expressing sorrow over the tragic loss of life that occurred the previous night. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of public officials and law enforcement agencies, commending their commitment to ensuring the safety of the New Orleans community.
According to authorities, Jabbar drove onto a sidewalk, circumventing a police vehicle that was stationed to block traffic and safeguard revelers on Bourbon Street. A barrier system intended to prevent vehicle attacks was under repair in anticipation of the Super Bowl, which is set to take place in the city in February.
New Orleans Police Commissioner Anne Kirkpatrick remarked earlier on Wednesday that Jabbar exhibited a clear intent to cause harm. "He was determined to inflict the destruction and chaos that ensued," she stated. "His actions were deliberate, as he aimed to run over as many individuals as possible."
The FBI announced that it is investigating Jabbar to explore any potential links to terrorist organizations. A flag associated with the Islamic State group was found in Jabbar's vehicle. The FBI indicated that they do not believe Jabbar acted alone in the attack. Surveillance footage has revealed the involvement of three men and a woman who were seen placing one of several improvised explosive devices in the French Quarter.
In response to the situation, Atlanta police announced the deployment of specialized units and additional personnel around Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday. Atlanta was hosting a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl, featuring a matchup between Texas and Arizona State, which proceeded as scheduled.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden had been informed about the attack, and Attorney General Merrick Garland was also briefed by the Justice Department.
Later on Wednesday, President Biden stated that the attacker had shared a video on social media that suggested he was motivated by the Islamic State group and had expressed a "desire to kill."
The president conveyed his condolences, saying, "I grieve with you. Our nation grieves with you."
The decision to postpone the game resulted in numerous implications.
