2009 Football Trip: New Orleans Saints

So, you're going on an overnight trip to New Orleans in 2009 to see the Saints play football. New Orleans is a beautiful city and you will have a great time there before, during and after the game!

Where to Get Tickets to the Game:

Ticketmaster: At the NFL Ticket Exchange you can buy and sell New Orleans Saints tickets. Log on to their website and search for the rivalry you want to attend. Here is a brief schedule:

Saints vs NY Jets - Oct 4

Saints vs NY Giants - Oct 18

Saints vs Atlanta Falcons - Nov 2

Saints vs Carolina Panthers - Nov 8

Saints vs NE Patriots - Nov 30

Saints vs Dallas Cowboys - Dec 19

Saints vs Tampa Bay Bucs - Dec 27

If you are military in the area, the best place to get New Orleans Saints tickets and great seats is through your base's ITT Office. They are inexpensive and many times lower level.

Here is a chart showing the Superdome's seating to help you visualize the layout and find rows you'd be interested in.

Where to Stay:

Le Pavillon Hotel: Le Pavillon hotel is located downtown near New Orleans French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and Royal Street. The Superdome is only a short walk away too.

Le Pavillon is true to its French name in its outside facade and indoor decor. The rooms are themed, from the floor to the ceiling. The rooms include mini bars, mahogany armoires, robes, marble vanity, and WIFI. You feel like you are royalty here! Rates run from $150 to $200 depending on rooms and packages you choose.

Where to Eat:

Gumbo Shop: For lunch before the game you must have some real Louisiana Gumbo. The Gumbo Shop is located in the French Quarter on Saint Peter Street. They have seafood Gumbo and chicken Gumbo. If Gumbo isn't your thing, the Gumbo Shop also serves Creole, Jambalaya and Red Beans & Rice along with a few Po-Boys. Prices are very inexpensive.

Stella! - In case you didn't fill up on stadium food, after the game you can go back to the hotel, clean up, and go to dinner at Stella! Stella is located on Chartres Street, in the French Quarter, near Jackson Square. They serve seafood, duck, a special 7-course "tasting" of several dishes, caviar, and of course dessert. Stella is very upscale in nature, and prices there can range from $15 for an appetizer to $95 for the Tasting, to over $150 for caviar. Reservations can be made by phone or online on their website.

Things to Do Before and/or After the Game:

Tour the City. View Historic landmarks, take a bus tour showing Katrina damage and rebuilds. Take in Bourbon Street's live bands, karaoke, drinks, and good times. New Orleans Online is the city's official Tourism site, and it offers you free printable tour guides to help you plan your pre- and post-game hours.