The 2025 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans was postponed hours before it was due to start on Wednesday after at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in what federal officials are investigating as an act of terrorism.
Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley spoke at a press conference with local and state officials Wednesday afternoon to confirm that the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame will be postponed 24 hours.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl logo at midfield during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl game between the Texas Longhorns and the Washington Huskies on Jan. 1, 2024, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“We wish we weren't here for this reason today. The Sugar Bowl committee has a 90-year history of being a good corporate citizen of the city of New Orleans and that's why this tragedy hurts us as much as anyone right now. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we all work together.” this time,” Hundley said.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
“All parties agree that it is in everyone's best interest and public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours.
“There will be more details on that in the coming hours, but for now, that's the plan we're going to move forward with and play the game. [tomorrow.]”
The postponement follows reports that the Superdome, home of the New Orleans Saints, was initially locked down for a security sweep and that people with offices inside the stadium were told not to enter the site until further notice.
A general aerial view of the exterior of the Caesars Superdome, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
That order included officials with the Sugar Bowl and Sun Belt Conferences, a source told The Associated Press.
NORE DAME IS CALLING FANS TO 'JOIN US IN PRAYER' AS FOLLOWING VICTIM APPEARS TO BE BLESSED BEFORE THE SUGAR GAME
According to the FBI statement, a man driving a Ford truck drove into a crowd of people on Bourbon Street around 3:15 local time. The suspect, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before he was pronounced dead at the scene.
10 people have died and 35 others were injured as a result of this terrorist attack.
The FBI is also working to determine “possible links to terrorist organizations,” after an ISIS flag was found on the truck. Weapons and a possible IED were found inside the suspect's vehicle and other possible IEDs were located in the French Quarter.
The tragedy in New Orleans comes as thousands of fans flock to the historic city ahead of Wednesday night's Sugar Bowl.
Multi-agency police are at the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 10 people were killed when a suspected driver drove into a crowd in the early hours of New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM
The Superdome is located just a mile from the site of Wednesday morning's attack.
Georgia and Notre Dame arrived in New Orleans on Sunday and were said to be staying in hotels not far from the crime scene. According to reports, both schools have used a “shelter” for groups.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
