Saints will open 2021 season at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville

Due to Hurricane Ida, the New Orleans Saints have been conducting business in Dallas over the past few days. The hurricane led to the cancellation of the Saints’ final preseason game and now it’ll keep the team away from Caesars Superdome for at least a month, according to Sean Payton.

Jeff Duncan and Amie Just of The Times-Picayune reported on Wednesday morning that the first game of the season — which was scheduled to take place at Caesars Superdome on Sept. 12 — will now be played in Jacksonville at TIAA Bank Field, where the Jaguars typically play.

"There were no closer venues to New Orleans available that day, as Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Houston’s NRG Stadium both host NFL games, and the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, has a concert scheduled."

New Orleans not being an option meant that the Saints had limited options to play at, as 16 teams obviously had home games that weekend. The obvious choice since the Saints are currently in Dallas was AT&T Stadium but as noted, a concert was scheduled a few days after the game, making it a tricky situation.

New Orleans Saints will open up season in Jacksonville.

With the Saints’ options only being NFL venues, Jacksonville’s stadium was where they ultimately went with. The Jaguars are on the road to begin the season (they’ll be in Houston, which — as noted above — was another option for the Saints to consider).

While it’s unfortunate that the Saints have to open the 2021 season on the road, the bigger picture here is Hurricane Ida. The hurricane could keep the Saints out of Caesars Superdome until October.

Hopefully, we’ll see the Saints play in their home stadium at some point this year.