NFL fans revive New Orleans

With over 1,800 people killed, over 200,000 people displaced from their homes, an entire city in ruins, an entire state in dismay and an entire country left in shock, Hurricane Katrina changed the lives of many people, both in the southern U.S. and across the country.

Seeing the pain and suffering of the victims of the tragic hurricane that swept away New Orleans and all it represents and means to this country left me scrambling to do whatever I could to help those in need. It made me realize that the problems I face or the troubles that I go through on a daily basis are so insignificant compared to some of the things the residents and former residents of New Orleans will face over the course of the next few years. It gave me some perspective on my life and a new sense of direction and motivation.

But you didn't see any of that pain, suffering or anguish last Monday night. The city of New Orleans came to life as it welcomed back its National Football League (NFL) franchise to the Louisiana Superdome for the first time since December 2004. With the help of the sold-out crowd in attendance and millions around the country watching the New Orleans Saints, the city sparkled like never before for everyone to see.

The joy on the faces I saw from both Saints fans and Atlanta Falcons fans alike showed the way the city banded together to welcome back its only professional franchise. I could also see the smiles on the faces of the Saints' players, coaches, trainers, equipment managers and each and every person on the field.

The Louisiana Superdome resonated with so much excitement, enthusiasm and happiness that it gave victims, their families and the country a short time away from the pain and suffering which they would have to return in just a few hours.

Signs that hung off of the side of the dome really showed me how much the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans were on their way to coming back. Signs such as "Home Sweet Dome" and "Thank You America. New Orleans & Saints Are Here to Stay" showed the country that the city of New Orleans isn't going to give up. They are going to fight long and hard to come back more prosperous than ever before.

In the entire history of the New Orleans Saints organization, the franchise has never sold out the entire quantity of season tickets in any single season. But for this season, the fans purchased every single season ticket available for the first time. This just shows me how the citizens of New Orleans have come together. The team has become the epicenter of the city and an example to all of the residents of New Orleans that they can come back, that they should not give up and that they should keep fighting.

The way the Superdome was rebuilt serves as a prime example for all who were affected by the most devastating hurricane to hit land in nearly 80 years.

During the Category 5 hurricane, several "refuge of last resort" shelters were set up for citizens who could not leave the city. The Superdome was the largest of these shelters, used as a home for those whose houses were destroyed. But even the great structure, which housed 26,000 people during the relief efforts and was supposed to withstand a significant natural disaster, sustained significant roof damage.

In order to repair the Superdome, a two-phase, $185 million project was put in place. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a U.S. government agency tasked with disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery planning, contributed $115 million to the recovery project while the state of Louisiana provided $13 million. The Louisiana Stadium and Expedition District secured $41 million in contributions towards the project, and the NFL added the final $15 million. The roof was completely rebuilt ahead of schedule. Additions continue to be made to the Superdome, including new luxury suites, locker rooms and seats. The entire project will be completed sometime in 2007, but the Superdome is usable for games and other events beginning this season.

It amazes me the way so many contributed to helping the relief efforts for those who were affected by the tragedy. The way the country bonded together to help rebuild the Louisiana Superdome just goes to show that the people of New Orleans do believe. They believe that they can come back; they believe they will come back; and I now believe that they can and will come back to being one of the best tourist sites in the nation once again.