New Orleans Saints fans piled into the gates of 5800 Airline Drive at 8 a.m. but they were waiting hours before to their favroite team take part in the Black and Gold Scrimmage. The line stretched down Elise Avenue to Zephyr Field. The attendance total was 5,123, producing one of the largest crowds during Coach Sean Payton's tenure.
Fans traveled from all over the country to catch a glimpse of this year's squad. Ryan McNamara and his family visited from Chattanooga, Tenn.
"We got a chance to see a few touchdowns and see Drew Brees throw a few passes and Mark Ingram run a few balls," he said. "It was a good time."
Six-year-old Mykailah Moore came from Alaska to stay with her grandparents while her father is being relocated by the U.S. Army. Her goal was to meet Brees, her favorite player. After the scrimmage, Mykailah got her wish and an autograph.
The Black and Gold scrimmage was also family day for the Saints players and coaches. Family members of staff and players were invited to enjoy Rotolo's, Drago's, and Williams Plum Street snowballs after practice. The indoor facility was set up with inflatables and games for all of the children to enjoy.
