New Orleanians Remember Katrina

Sept. 25, 2006 — -- The Louisiana Superdome became a symbol of the devastation in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina ripped off part of its roof last year.

For Doug Thornton, who manages the Superdome, and New Orleans residents, the home of the New Orleans' Saints stands for hometown pride.

"Well, I was in here for 5½ days during Katrina, so I experienced the destruction firsthand," Thornton said.

When Katrina hit, though, about 30,000 New Orleanians sought refuge at the Superdome only to be left to fend for themselves as the hurricane tore up the stadium.

"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," Thornton said. "The place was an absolute cesspool. I mean, that's the best way to describe it."

Thornton and others were determined to restore the stadium immediately.

After a year and $185 million worth of renovation, the Superdome is reborn and easing the painful memories of the city's darkest hours.

The Saints and the citizens of New Orleans will march into their new Superdome tonight -- under a new roof and after the removal of 4,000 tons of trash and debris and the extraction of 3.8 million gallons of water from the arena.

The team will plays in its hometown for the first time in more than a year.

Before the game, U2 and Green Day will perform a benefit concert as part of their efforts to bring music back to the Gulf Coast region and help musicians devastated by Katrina.