Sports

Your tentative guide to New Orleans Bowl activities

by Leslie Turk

The days preceding the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl will be filled with activities in the Crescent City for fans, teams and traveling parties. No "official" events list has been compiled so far, but here's a tentative list of activities compiled from several sources.

IND Monthly called it Thursday morning, noting the likelihood that a Saturday victory at Cajun Field would seal the deal with New Orleans, and bowl reps made it official right after the game: the Cajuns will be back in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 22 at 11 a.m.

The Cajuns' opponent has not yet been announced.

The days preceding the game will be filled with activities in the Crescent City for fans, teams and traveling parties. No "official" events list has been compiled so far, but here's a tentative list of activities compiled from several sources - your first guide to bowl activities. It will be updated as events are confirmed and announced, so watch here for updates and additions.

Tuesday, Dec. 18
TBA - Teams arrive in New Orleans, UL at New Orleans Marriott, opponent at Hilton Riverside
6 p.m. - UL team party, Rock N'Bowl. The legendary Rock N'Bowl, a New Orleans institution like no other, will host the Ragin' Cajuns for a night of food, bowling, karaoke and entertainment. Sorry, fans, this one's just for the team and traveling party.

Wednesday, Dec. 19

TBA - Ragin' Cajun practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome

Thursday, Dec. 20

TBA - Ragin' Cajun practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
12:30 p.m. Media Day at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
1:30 p.m. Cajuns visit Children's Hospital

Friday, Dec. 21
TBA - Ragin' Cajun practice at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Noon Bowl Luncheon, New Orleans Marriott The luncheon annually features a guest speaker. Former New Orleans Saints standout Darren Sharper was speaker at last year's luncheon. Tickets are required and may be purchased through the bowl office at (504) 525-5678.

5:30 p.m. - Media party
Evening - Free concert, Champions Square at the Superdome. Nothing's definite yet, but if plans come together, Friday night's free concert takes a quantum leap forward with a move to the Champions Square area at the Dome and appearances by two major acts one of the most acclaimed bands of the classic rock era as part of its reunion tour, and one of the quintessential American rock bands. Watch for the official announcement.

Saturday, Dec. 22
9 a.m. - Youth Empowerment Program, Mercedes-Benz Superdome One of the bowl's game-day activities will spotlight children this year, as all youths age 6-12 are invited to a free youth empowerment program which also includes a free ticket to the game. The program features a show called "Positive Thinking" by Rhythm and Soul, a dance group featured on So You Think You Can Dance. Theatre workshops and craft sessions. Youths interested in attending should RSVP to Lauren Bernard either by phone at (504) 525-5678 or e-mail at [email protected].

11 a.m. - R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The game moves to a daytime slot this year courtesy of ESPN, which will air the game nationally. The early start will allow Acadiana fans the option of enjoying the Big Easy nightlife after the game or coming back home for the final two days before Christmas.