Thanks to the kindness of my father, I was able to go to Friday night's pre-season Saints game in the dome. This was the first pre-season game in New Orleans since Katrina (remember last year we started during Monday night football and trashed the Falcons). Unfortunately, since this was pre-season the first string didn't play for long and many in the city didn't think it was worth it to rush home from work to goto the game. Especially since nothing special was happening. No concerts with U2 and Green Day this year, just a laid back game that was meant to see who should be second string and who shouldn't.

The real reason you're reading this post though is to see some snapshots of around the the dome before and during the game. Up top was the Bud Bridge into the dome just ten minutes ahead of kickoff (I barely made it in after work). Next up was my view from the 600 level of the Saintsations. I think the uniforms have changed (and for the better).

During the National Anthem the color guard came out and we all stood minus our hats in anticipation of what would be an OK game that didn't count for much in the eyes of the fans, but resulted in some of the players losing their jobs (I'm sure). On the 40 yard line stands a number of international flag football teams who just finished a world championship (won by the Canadians).

This is the problem with Friday night pre-season games. Either we can't get off work early enough to make it to kickoff or we just don't care cause the game doesn't count towards the season. Plus our top draft pick played at a level below expected and the first string was only on the field for a quarter.

Ah Gumbo, how I wish we had a better mascot. Or at lease one that wasn't a dog (like every other cop out mascot out there). Why couldn't we have a Neutria like the Z's or even a 'Saint' with a halo and a staff topped with a Fluer-de-lis. Oh well.

As the boys in black and gold entered the field at the beginning of the game we all cheered, especially when Deuce was called out to join the starting lineup.

Did you know it is illegal to scalp tickets on Superdome property? Just across the street is fine but on the ramp leading into the dome with get you arrested.

Did you know the National Press Photographer's Association is pissed off about these sore thumb red vests they have to wear with ads on the back?

Finally... the best and cheapest way to get the game. The streetcar runs from a few blocks from my house all the way up to a few blocks from the dome. A buck and a quarter to get to the game in relaxation.