NEW ORLEANS — Visitors flocking to the city for the 2025 Sugar Bowl were deeply affected by Wednesday’s tragic incident in which a gunman drove a speeding truck into a crowd gathered for New Year’s Eve festivities.

Supporters of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs had been looking forward to the college football match scheduled for Wednesday but were jolted from their excitement by news of the truck attack — now under FBI investigation for possible terrorism. The game has been officially rescheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m. local time, prompting guests to adjust their arrangements.

The effects of the New Year’s Day attack were felt citywide, impacting both tourists and locals.

“Everyone’s in a somber mood,” shared Coleman Sapp, a visitor from Georgia. “You could hear a pin drop on Bourbon Street.”

‘Bourbon Street is so quiet’

Sapp mentioned that he was staying at a hotel close to the site of the attack. Despite the tragedy, he and his family intend to stay for the game since they are set to fly out on Friday.

In contrast, Mark Zacharias, who traveled from Pensacola, Florida to see the Bulldogs play, expressed uncertainty about his plans. He mentioned that if the game proceeds on Thursday night, he likely “won’t be able to make it.”

Regardless of his choices, he emphasized that there are more significant concerns at play.

“It’s a tragedy,” said Zacharias. “It’s disappointing that I might not be able to attend.”

This was Zacharias’ inaugural visit to New Orleans, and he mentioned that the atmosphere isn’t what he expected.

“I always pictured it to be much livelier,” he noted. “There are many people, but it doesn’t capture the spirited mood I had anticipated.”

Couple from Iowa Feels ‘Surreal’

Mike and Amy Johnson, fans of the Irish from Iowa, were staying near Bourbon Street at the Courtyard New Orleans French Quarter/Iberville. After learning about the game delay, they spent over an hour adjusting their flight plans.

Mike mentioned that he and his wife had been on Bourbon Street at midnight, mere hours before the event occurred. “It’s just surreal,” he remarked.

Amy shared similar sentiments, stating, “You just feel bad for the city and everyone affected.”

As they considered their next moves, Mike pointed out that larger matters were at stake. “In the grand scheme, we’re just talking about a football game,” he emphasized.