The Allstate Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for New Year’s Day, has been postponed by 24 hours following a terrorist attack in New Orleans’ French Quarter, officials announced Wednesday.
The College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame will now take place on Thursday, though an exact kickoff time has not yet been confirmed. The game was originally set to begin at 8:45 p.m. EST in the Caesars Superdome.
In a statement shared on X, the Sugar Bowl Committee wrote, “The 2025 College Football Game Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl has been postponed until tomorrow. We will communicate further details as they become available.”
Details of the Attack
The decision to delay the game comes in the wake of a tragic terrorist attack early on New Year’s Day. Authorities have identified the suspect as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who allegedly drove a white Ford F-150 into a crowd of revelers at the intersection of Bourbon and Canal Streets, a bustling area in the French Quarter.
The attack, which occurred around 3:15 a.m., claimed the lives of at least 10 people and injured 35 others, including police officers who engaged in a firefight with the suspect. Jabbar was shot and killed during the altercation.
The FBI has labeled the incident an act of terrorism and is actively investigating. Officials believe there may be four to five additional suspects involved.
In addition to the vehicular attack, incendiary explosive devices (IEDs) were found in multiple locations within the French Quarter. Authorities also confirmed that an ISIS flag was displayed on Jabbar’s truck.
During an afternoon press briefing, reporters questioned the safety of attending the rescheduled Sugar Bowl on Thursday. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards reassured the public, stating that he plans to attend the game and that law enforcement agencies are working to ensure the safety of all attendees.
The tragic events have cast a somber tone over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion for college football fans. Authorities continue to investigate and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Further updates on the game and security measures are expected as the situation develops.