New Orleans hosted the College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame under a shadow of grief and heightened security, just a day after a deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street. A driver plowed through a crowd in the French Quarter in the early hours of New Year's Day, an incident being investigated as an act of terrorism. The Superdome, located approximately a mile from the tragic scene, saw increased security measures for the game.

FBI personnel were present at the Caesars Superdome in preparation for the Sugar Bowl, reflecting the heightened security concerns. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick assured the public that security measures for the Sugar Bowl were comparable to, if not exceeding, those planned for the upcoming Super Bowl. She emphasized the collaboration with local, federal, and military police to ensure the safety of attendees and the surrounding areas, including Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.

Security measures at the Superdome included vehicle checks and the presence of bomb-sniffing dogs. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar, acted alone, according to officials. Authorities discovered a potential improvised explosive device (IED), weapons, and an ISIS flag in Jabbar’s vehicle. Additional potential IEDs were also located and recovered.

Originally scheduled for a primetime evening slot, the Sugar Bowl kickoff was moved earlier in the day to accommodate the enhanced security protocols. Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley emphasized that public safety was the top priority in the decision to reschedule.

Notre Dame players took the field amidst increased security. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)