Hurricane Ida has led to the cancellation of Saturday’s preseason finale between the Cardinals and Saints.
“At the request of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, the NFL and the New Orleans Saints announced this afternoon that due to the impending impact of Hurricane Ida on the Gulf Coast region that the team’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals has been canceled,” the Saints said in a statement. “The game, which was originally scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 28th was moved to noon at the Caesars Superdome. Due to the intensification of the Hurricane throughout the day and after the most recent tropical update, the team’s leadership has made the decision in the best interests of all personnel that may have been directly and indirectly affected by the storm. The announcement comes after constant communications with the City of New Orleans officials, the National Weather Service, Homeland Security, Governor Edwards and leading state officials and the National Football League. The team encourages all residents of the region to take precautionary measures to remain safe throughout the impending hurricane. The New Orleans Saints will be in communication with season ticket account holders regarding applicable refunds and/or credits to their season ticket accounts.”
Earlier in the day, the Saints announced they were moving up the start time from 7 p.m. to noon on Saturday. But Ida had other plans.
The storm has strengthened more than originally expected and is on track to make landfall as a major hurricane this weekend. Hurricane Ida now is projected to turn into a Category 4 storm with life-threatening storm surge, dangerous rainfall flooding, potentially catastrophic winds and tornadoes.