Saints plan Superdome anniversary tribute for Monday night

The New Orleans Saints will honor Steve Gleason and Curtis Deloatch during Monday night’s game against Atlanta as the team marks the 20th anniversary of its return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

The October 5 celebration recalls the September 25, 2006 reopening game, when Gleason blocked an Atlanta punt and Deloatch recovered it for a touchdown in a 23–3 Saints victory. Members of the 2006 team will be recognized throughout the evening.

Irma Thomas and River Eckert will perform the national anthem. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will lead the halftime show, with guests including Eric Church, Kirk Franklin, Juvenile, Cyril Neville and Ivan Neville. Both performances are scheduled to air on ESPN.

The Saints announced a 4 p.m. Central opening for Champions Square, with extra entertainment and fan activities. Their game-day guide also lists a pregame performance of music from the Rebirth project, which draws on Gleason’s poetry.

Team Gleason will receive proceeds from the game’s 50/50 raffle to support people living with ALS. Kickoff against the Falcons is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET, 6:15 p.m. MDT.