It was two hours until game time on Sunday and the subtribes of Who Dat Nation had established small villages from the western reaches of the Poydras Street neutral ground to the parking lots of the CBD. Charcoal smoke, thunderous music and the fragrance of hops rose into the clear blue sky above the popup pavilions, canvas chairs and generator-powered big-screen TVs.

Yes, tailgating was underway for the first time in the 2025-26 season, and despite widespread trepidation about the Saints’ chances for success, black and gold joie de vivre ruled the day. Though among one band of tailgaters, pleasure was mixed with poignance as they memorialized three members who’d died tragically just a few months before. More about that later.

Mississippi Who Dats

Shade made all the difference on Sunday

See Full Page