Sugar Bowl, New Orleans right to postpone playoff game

I really wanted to start this with what I’ve said a dozen times in the last day and a half. Fu**ety fu*k fu*k -- but spelled out. Because why are we talking about crisis communications as we usher in a new year? 

Crisis communications is something public relations and publicists learn, often on the fly. I’ve coached groups how to create organizational chains of command and plan for what-ifs. Like life, you never know what will hit or when, so your plans, even with clear intentions, have to remain flexible.

Sugar Bowl CEO, Jeff Hundley and his staff, the University of Georgia and University of Notre Dame, the Southeastern Conference, along with leaders in New Orleans law enforcement, demonstrated this well in the early hours of 2025.

Tragedy strikes the Big Easy

We awoke New Year’s Day to news of an alleged domestic terror attack on one of the most famous strips in the United States. Many of us have strolled Bourbon Street at all hours of the day and night, so landmarks are familiar.

Unfortunately, deadly acts of terror happen too often, which is why popular tourist spots typically have their guards up during holidays and major events.

In the immediate aftermath, while we were processing the weight of the tragedy itself, attention naturally turned to how it would ripple outward — particularly for the hundreds of journalists covering the Sugar Bowl and the city’s preparation for the Super Bowl in February.

Sports reporters take on breaking news

We’ve seen it before -- sports reporters are suddenly thrust into news coverage. It’s a challenge, that most pull off—dare I say—seamlessly. As a former reporter told me last night, adrenaline takes over, and you switch from sports to survival in a heartbeat.

To allow law enforcement to focus on the investigation and secure venues, the Sugar Bowl was postponed a day. It was the right thing to do. Seeing how cautiously yet purposefully the decision was made, there’s confidence stakeholders and media will handle all angles respectfully and responsibly when the game kicks off. That’s all we can ask.

** I apologize for the wonky changes in type size through this newsletter. I will work to correct it ASAP.

© 2025 Gail Sideman, gpublicity

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