The Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia has been postponed following a terrorist attack in the city of New Orleans early on New Year's Day.
Sources tell WWL Radio that the delay will be for at least 24 hours, resetting the game to potentially kick off at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday at the Caesars Superdome. Sugar Bowl officials confirmed the delay in a news conference Wednesday afternoon. A kickoff time has not been officially announced and details could still change.
“All parties and all agree that it’s in the best interest of everybody and public safety that we postpone the game for 24 hours,” Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley said.
The decision was made in conjunction with all parties in involved in putting on the game, set to be the final of the four College Football Playoff quarterfinal games. The winner will play Penn State in the semifinals.
“We live in the fun and games world with what we do," Hundley said, "but we certainly recognize the importance of this and we’re going to support 100%."
The incident occurred about 3 a.m. shortly after New Year's when a man, identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, sped a rented pickup truck around police cruisers and onto Bourbon Street, killing 10 people and injuring dozens before stepping out of the vehicle and opening fire before being gunned down by officers.
The University of Georgia has confirmed that one of those injured was a UGA student, but a majority of the victims have yet to be identified.
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The FBI is expected to handle the investigation, which has been described as an act of terrorism. The attack was described as coordinated and involving multiple actors who could still be at large.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy implored the federal government to find all necessary answers and communicate them openly, while applauding the decision to postpone the game.
"There's just too much stuff we don't know," Kennedy said, "and it's not worth it."
The Sugar Bowl committee issued this statement Wednesday morning:
"The Sugar Bowl Committee is devastated by the terrible events from early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victimes and their families.
"We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state and federal levels and will communicate further details as they become available."
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said that an executive order will be issued to fly all flags at half mast, and that he will be in attendance for the game.