How the New Orleans Saints will start their 60th year

How the New Orleans Saints will start their 60th year

The New Orleans Saints kick off their 60th season Sunday.

Why it matters: The team will mark the anniversary with fan experiences all season long.

The big picture: It's a big year for the Saints no matter which way you slice it.

  • The team's second home game of its 60th season — a Monday Night Football engagement with the Atlanta Falcons — is around the 20th anniversary of the Saints' post-Katrina "Domecoming."
  • The Saints were also picked to play in the NFL's first-ever game in Paris in late October.
  • Plus, the Saints enter this season knowing Tyler Shough will be in at quarterback, a welcome change after last year's split-duty between Shough and Spencer Rattler.

    • Zoom in: Fans can start the 60th season with an official watch party on Sunday at Manning's. The Saints Cheer Krewe, Sir Saint and former player Tyrann Mathieu will be there. Details.

  • Expect to see anniversary signage, merch and more watch parties throughout the year, the team says.

    • Dig in: Inside the stadium, fans can score $6 concessions in honor of the big anniversary.

  • The discounted menu includes draft beer, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos and Dasani water, the team says.
  • And yes, we saw Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with its famously affordable food, was making fun of the so-called discounts. Just let us live, Atlanta!

    • Anyway, on the field, expectations are running pretty high, even despite some injuries already sidelining players during preseason.

  • The Saints haven't made it to the postseason since January 2021, but The Times-Picayune's beat reporters think there's a decent chance of breaking that streak this year.
  • New players like Travis Etienne, draft pick Jordyn Tyson and Kaden Elliss can bring some heat while Shough has a chance to really make the Saints worth talking about.

    • Worthy of your time: Even if you don't care for football, this Times-Picayune profile on Shough proves that he's trying to be a part of the city, not just the team.

  • And it's hard not to love a guy who loves the city we love.

    • What's next: The Saints play the Detroit Lions on Sunday at noon. Watch on Fox. More viewing options.