Vikings return to Louisiana

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS

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

New Orleans’ momentous victory over the Indianapolis Colts occurred in the middle of the city’s parade season, so the Saints’ celebratory ride through town with the Vince Lombardi Trophy was simply added to the lineup. In the following days, players, coaches, team officials and the trophy made appearances in traditional parades as well.

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 river front, 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.

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

Indeed, Saints owner Tom Benson will show off the Lombardi Trophy once more at a newly completed festival plaza next to the Superdome that has been named Champions Square. Then the festivities move inside the dome, where those with the hottest ticket in town will witness the raising of a 2009 championship banner before kickoff.

The Vikings would like to see the party end right about there.

Minnesota outperformed the Saints in numerous statistical categories when they met in last season’s NFC championship game and might have won if not for five turnovers.

The Vikings outgained the Saints 165 yards to 68 on the ground and 310 yards to 189 in the air.