Little Who Dats
It's that time of year again. It's time for the Who Dat Nation to rise up, come together, and support our beloved New Orleans Saints.
There's no fan quite like a Saints fan: dedicated, passionate, and always ready for a good time. Game days are nothing short of a festival, with fans proudly donning their black and gold attire and everyone, including the little ones, joining in the excitement.
Being a Saints fan goes beyond cheering for a football team. It's about community, and fans share their love for the team with their children. From tailgate parties to filling the seats at the Caesars Superdome, families enjoy the festivities together. But there's even more for young fans to get involved in. Here are some kid-friendly Saints activities for the mini fans to enjoy and show their team spirit.
New Orleans Saints Kids Club
If your young fans range from 5 to 12, consider signing them up for the New Orleans Saints Kids Club. For an annual fee of about $50, members receive a Kids Club kit filled with exciting goodies and Saints paraphernalia shipped to their homes. Club members are also invited to various events throughout the year, including holiday parties and sponsored activities at the training facilities.
Memberships can be purchased online or at specific events: training camp, Saints Kickoff Run, and some preseason games. Parents and guardians of active members will receive email reminders to renew their memberships each year.
The Saints Experience
Bringing your mini fan to a home game? Be sure to take them to the Gate C bridge of the Superdome to enjoy the Saints Experience. The interactive inflatable activities are filled with "inflated fun" for kids of all ages. Here, kids can test their speed against others in Gumbo's Playhouse or see if they have the leg strength to get a field goal in the Field Goal Challenge. Other activities include the Quarterback Challenge and the Saints Trivia Game Show, where they can test their knowledge of the team and the game.
Happening before every home game, kids can enjoy the festivities while the parents can enjoy listening to live music from the Champions Square Stage. The Saints Experience is also available for parties and conventions.
The Saints' Birthday Experience
Speaking of parties, did you know that you can rent a Saints mascot to surprise your little one for their birthday? The famous football team allows patrons to rent a mascot for $150 for a 30-minute visit. Whether you pick Sir Saint or Gumbo, the fun-loving dog, your mini fan will undoubtedly be excited to see the mascot of their favorite team.
Saints Training Camp
Yes, the Saints trained out west this year at the University of California Irvine due to renovations at the local training facilities. Fortunately, this is only a temporary move. Next year, the Saints will be back in their facility, and when that happens, you should take your little sports enthusiast to the training camp.
While this event is free, you are advised to get tickets early as space is limited. When there, your family will enjoy getting up close and personal with the players while grabbing a few photos and autographs. There's also food and activities for everyone to enjoy.
The Saints Fun Run
If your little tyke is filled with energy, then you may want them to experience the Kids Fun Run. This fitness event is a fun time where kiddos can lace up their shoes for a 1/2 mile run or walk. The event typically takes place in September, starting at Champions Square and finishing at the 50-yard line of the Caesars Superdome.
All participants receive an official short sleeve Saints Kids Fun Run t-shirt, a race number bib, and a kids finisher medal. These little Saints fans are the perfect krewe to help kick off the season.
NFL Youth Program
If your little one enjoys playing football, consider the NFL FLAG program hosted by the NFL Youth Program. NFL FLAG is the National Football League's premier youth football program for kids aged 6-14. Available nationwide, including in all 32 NFL markets, NFL FLAG is a community-based, turnkey program that allows all youth to play in an organized, non-contact NFL league.
Along with the NFL Flag Program, the Saints Girls High School Flag Football marks a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and diversity in athletics. Aiming for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to recognize Girls Flag Football as a sanctioned sport officially, the Saints are leading the charge to pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
New Orleans offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities for Saints fans, blending the excitement of football with the community. Whether touring the Superdome, attending a game, running a marathon, or enjoying the Saints training facilities, young fans can create lasting memories while experiencing the best of what their favorite team has to offer.
