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N.O. Bowl Update - Almost tailgating time

by Dan McDonald

The Cajun Nation is eight hours from kickoff of the New Orleans Bowl, and the pre-game activities are about to commence.

[Editor's Note: Visit theind.com throughout the day for Dan's updates.]

N.O. Bowl Update Saturday, 12/17, 12:30 p.m.

NEW ORLEANS The lobby of the New Orleans Marriott looks something like the tempest before the storm.

UL football fans were already decked out, eight hours before kickoff of the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, with a sea of red shirts moving in unison with the ebb and flow of the crowd. Many were watching the lobby bar's large television screens, most of which had replaced their regular sports programming with DVD  highlights of the Ragin' Cajuns' season.

It's almost like they were waiting to head somewhere, and they won't have long to wait.

First up is pre-game tailgating at Rouse's Market at 701 Baronne St. not far from the Superome, running  from 1-5 p.m. with music by the Classics from 1-4:30 p.m. and from the UL Pride of Acadiana marching band from 4:30-5 p.m. Food and drink will be available.

The UL Alumni Association has its pregame bash from 4-7 p.m. at Champions Square's Club 44 next to the Dome, almost right next to the New Orleans Bowl's official tailgate party from 5:30-8 p.m. at Champions Square.

The Ragin' Cajun Athletic Foundation also has a tailgate party inside the Dome from 2:30-6 p.m. with life music from Nik L Beer. It's a $10 charge, free to RCAF members.

No shortage of places to go the lobby should start clearing out pretty soon.