NEW ORLEANS — The Sugar Bowl, originally set for Wednesday night at the Caesars Superdome, has been postponed to Thursday evening following a tragic truck attack that resulted in 10 fatalities and over 30 injuries. The attack occurred early on New Year's Day when a pickup truck struck a crowd celebrating in New Orleans' French Quarter.

The perpetrator, identified as Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42, allegedly drove the truck into a reveling crowd around 3:15 a.m. before being killed in a shootout with police. Amid ongoing security investigations, the Superdome was placed on lockdown, and staff members were advised to stay away from their offices until the situation stabilized, according to AP News.

Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are in ongoing discussions with authorities on the local, state, and federal levels.” The game has been rescheduled to 5:45 p.m. PDT on January 2, while the Georgia and Notre Dame football teams remain in lockdown at their nearby hotels following the attack. Both teams confirmed that all personnel have been accounted for, as reported by The Guardian.

City Council President Helena Moreno noted an enhancement of security around the Superdome, indicating an increased police presence. The iconic venue is also slated to host the Super Bowl on February 9, necessitating strict safety protocols. The NFL has assured the public of comprehensive security measures being employed for the upcoming Super Bowl event.

In a statement reflecting the sentiment of the sporting community, the NFL commented, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans.” As preparations for the Sugar Bowl continue amid this tragic backdrop, attendees can expect significant security adjustments to ensure their safety.