The New Orleans Saints will take on the Atlanta Falcons in a Domecoming rematch on Oct. 5, marking the 20th anniversary of their historic return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
Twenty years ago, on Sept. 25, 2006, the Saints returned to the Superdome to face their archrivals, the Falcons, in a newly reopened stadium following the devastation caused by the hurricane.
WDSU was on air for the entire day, capturing the moment fans were welcomed back to cheer on the Saints.
Twenty years later, WDSU will bring you extended coverage of the anniversary matchup.
How to watch:
WDSU special Domecoming 20-year anniversary coverage starts at 11 a.m.
You can watch our coverage on WDSU.
The coverage will also stream on WDSU.com, the WDSU Mobile App, WDSU’s YouTube page, and the Very Local app.
The game will air on WDSU at 7:15 p.m.
Following the game, The Saints on 6 team will bring you live postgame coverage.
Below are some of the exclusive interviews and iconic moments then and now that you can see on WDSU leading up to kickoff.
Steve Gleason emotional interview:
Thirteen months after the storm changed life in New Orleans forever, with more than 1,800 people killed, 80% of the city underwater, and the iconic Superdome left in ruins, the city’s tears of sorrow were turned into tears of joy, due in large part to Steve Gleason.
On the fifth play of the game, the Saints special teams captain blocked an Atlanta Falcons punt.
The play has become known as “Rebirth.”
It was a sign that the NFL franchise and the city were ready to move forward and start a new chapter.
In 2011, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS.
Over the last 15 years, he and his foundation have worked to help those battling the disease, resulting in Gleason being awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.
WDSU’s Fletcher and Travers Mackel sat down for an interview with the Saints legend and New Orleans icon.
WDSU will also bring you live coverage of Team Gleason’s second line through New Orleans at 3 p.m.
One family’s 60-year connection to the Saints:
One of the most recognizable voices in Saints history was longtime announcer Jerry Romig. His son Mark now handles those duties in the Dome, and it is a true family affair as the family carries the torch for the Who Dat Nation.
Jay Romig is the longest-serving New Orleans Saints employee and is celebrating his 50th season this year with the team.
Mary Beth Romig assisted her father in the broadcast booth, and now works with Mark on game days. WDSU Anchor Randi Rousseau talks about the family’s deep ties to the Saints organization.
Local musician remembers Superdome reopening:
Fred LeBlanc, founder, drummer, and singer of the New Orleans band Cowboy Mouth, remembers the band’s unforgettable performance on Poydras Street during the “Domecoming” celebration on Sept. 25, 2006, just hours before the Superdome reopened after Hurricane Katrina.
LeBlanc and his band headlined the “WDSU Hot Spot,” a free public concert organized by the station as part of its all-day coverage. The band finished their set minutes before the Superdome’s banner dropped, marking the venue’s reopening.
He speaks with WDSU Anchor Travers Mackel about how the game was a moment of rebirth and rejuvenation for the city.
Drew Brees wild story about nearly missing the Domecoming game:
It’s a story all New Orleans Saints fans have never heard, and it truly proves that the truth can be stranger than fiction.
Brees spoke about his experience with Hurricane Katrina 20 years later and told a story about one of the biggest games of his career.
Brees signed with the Saints just months after the storm in what was part of rebuilding the franchise and the city.
The first game in the Superdome following the devastating storm was in September 2006 against the arch-rival Atlanta Falcons.
Due to being unfamiliar with the area and the amount of traffic for the first game back in the Dome, Brees nearly missed the game entirely.
Hear him tell the story of how a security guard came to his rescue during our live coverage.
Then and Now: How loud the Superdome can and will get:
Saints fans are revisiting the unforgettable night Steve Gleason blocked a punt in the Superdome, a moment remembered for its deafening roar and emotional significance.
Even two decades later, those who were there vividly recall the intensity of the moment. But exactly how loud was it?
Meteorologist Scot Pilié will have a report during our special Domecoming coverage about just how loud the Dome got during that game 20 years ago, and whether or not crowds on Monday night will beat it.
READ MORE:Relive the Rebirth: How to watch WDSU’s Domecoming anniversary coverage
