Seth Udinski, FISM News
A setback occurred at the Superdome as the New Orleans Saints prepared to return to their home stadium following the cleanup in and around New Orleans from Hurricane Ida. On Tuesday, the stadium’s massive roof caught fire as city officials were power washing it in anticipation of the team’s first official home game on October 3. Thankfully, no one was killed, but one victim suffered minor burns and was hospitalized
Thankfully, no one was killed, but one victim suffered minor burns and was hospitalized. According to initial reports, the structural integrity of the dome was not damaged. The dome’s owner, ASM Global, issued a statement after the incident.
This afternoon a fire occurred on the exterior of the Caesars Superdome in the gutter tub of the roof. NOFD and venue first responders were dispatched immediately and extinguished the fire. Upon further investigation it appears that a pressure washer being used to clean the roof caught fire. Damage is still being assessed.
The team played its first “home game” of the year in Jacksonville on September 12 while the city rebuilt after the storm. The last time the Saints were forced to leave the Superdome was the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The team played its entire season away from New Orleans as the city recovered. This time, the storm safety barriers held, but the city was still hit hard by the storm, and several people were killed.
The 70,000 seat Superdome is an iconic American fieldhouse and has served as the home of the Saints since 1975. During that time, it has also hosted multiple Super Bowls and college football championships.