FREDIA ELEY
I call myself a superfan because:
This team will take you to the edge of winning and then lose in the last second. I tell myself “Oh man, they’ll get it next week,” or “Oh man, we’re coming back next season.” No matter what, I still love my Saints — or as some people say, “Aints.”
I try to make all home games, and when I can’t, I have watch parties at my house. I have a large family; sometimes we just want to be in the atmosphere and surroundings of the Saints game, so we go over to New Orleans (Dave & Buster’s) to watch the action. We have had many tailgate parties with gumbo, fried turkeys and potato salad — our food of choice.
A reason for my loyalty is:
After Katrina; we all lost hope and faith because we lost a lot. But when the Saints organization bought the team back to New Orleans, it sparked a fire in the fans (and brought) so much joy and peace back to the city of New Orleans. It even touched the people of Mississippi, who also endured great loss. It didn’t take away the pain we endured, but it was a place you could go and enjoy yourself to get away from all the devastation.
The upcoming season:
(The upcoming season) is very questionable, but I have a lot of faith, and I’ve seen many miracles in my lifetime. If any team can do it, it would be the Saints. I have seen (former Saints safety) Steve Gleason in the Dome on many occasions. I know he attends games because of the love he has for the organization. He brings hope and faith to the team and the fans. If Steve is holding on to the Saints, then who am I to give up? It’s a relationship. It’s true love. WHO DAT!!!!
NANCY D. NELSON
I became a Saints super fan because:
When I was a casino host at the Biloxi Grand Casino, the Saints’ manager, Mickey Loomis, would be on property, and every time, he was very kind and personable. A few years later, I met John Fourcade, former quarterback for the Saints from 1987 to 1990. He also is awesome and super nice, and we have remained friends for many years.
How I show my loyalty:
About 12 years ago, my good friend, Mike Pino, and I started taking groups of amazing friends on party busses to Saints Sunday Fundays. Every year, we would do two to three memorable, fun Saints-game trips. I still take groups; in fact, I took a great group to The Super Bowl.
Recently, I brought a group of friends to Boomtown New Orleans for a weekend, and they took us on a shuttle bus with police escorts to the Superdome. It was so amazing! We were in the Boomtown VIP suite with a great view of the field and delicious food and drinks. We definitely felt like super Saints fans for the day!
The upcoming season:
Well according to my husband and friends, they don’t think it’s going to be a good season because they wanted (Tyler) Shough as quarterback. I am more optimistic and think that with a new quarterback and coach, they will do fantastic this season! I’m going to put in a sports bet that they go to the playoffs!”