The Super Bowl XLIV World Champion New Orleans Saints have issued an advisory to patrons attending the New Orleans Saints versus Minnesota Vikings game.  Due to the expected above-average vehicle and pedestrian traffic in and around the downtown area, the Saints want fans who are attending the game to know that it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to attend the NFL's Parade and concert and still make it to their seats for Pre-Game festivities and kickoff, including the unveiling of the Super Bowl Championship Banner.

Traffic is expected to be very heavy and parking spots will be limited, as is typically the case surrounding Saints' home games.  In addition, fans are advised that Superdome Lot #3 will be closed to public parking this game.   Due to the expected increase in the number of people that will be in the New Orleans area for the Parade and Concert, but not attending the game, moving throughout the French Quarter and Central Business District is expected to take longer than it normally would.

The NFL's Kickoff Parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. CT to be followed with a concert featuring The Dave Matthews Band and Taylor Swift at Jackson Square. Details for those seeking more information on the parade and the concert are encouraged to visit: http://www.nfl.com/kickoff.  Pre-game festivities in the Dome will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT with NBC Pre-Game Show, which will feature the unveiling of the Saints Super Bowl XLIV banner.

Through the tireless efforts of the New Orleans Saints, National Football League and NBC, the unique opportunity exists for fans to be involved in the Saints' first-ever hosting of the Kickoff Event. Viewers from around the world will be able to witness New Orleans and their passionate residents as well as the neighbors and Saints fans from across the Gulf Coast as they celebrate the beginning of the 2010 NFL season.  The New Orleans Saints organization encourages those without tickets to the game to attend the Kickoff activities and represent our home and culture.

Champions Square will open at 3:00 p.m. CT on Thursday and will feature drink specials, cuisine from various local restaurants and Saints programming, including:

3:00-4:30 p.m.: Special airing of NFL Film's presentation "America's Game: 2009 New Orleans Saints" and highlights of the 2009 season and Super Bowl.

*4:30 p.m. *Tom Benson, with Vince Lombardi Trophy, greets fans and welcomes them to Champions Square

4:40-6:30 p.m.: Bucktown All-Stars

6:30-7:30 p.m.: Pre-Game Show live from the Superdome *POSTGAME *Fox 8 at Champions Square Stadium Show live from Superdome