Tulane Set To Host First Football Game On Campus In Nearly 40 Years

By Jason Saul

Published September 4, 2014 at 9:04 PM CDT

Workers are rushing to put the final touches on the stadium before Saturday's game against Georgia Tech. It will be the first football game on Tulane's campus since the demolition of the old Tulane Stadium nearly 40 years ago.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, Tulane University is preparing to host a football game on its Uptown campus.

In a media walkthrough on Thursday Tulane representatives showed off the nearly-complete Yulman Stadium. It's a $73 million, 30,000-seat open-air arena that is already sold out for the first game this Saturday against Georgia Tech.

Richard Yulman, Tulane board member and major donor, welcomed the media and public to his namesake stadium.

“It’s been a long journey, but it’s now official: the boys are back Uptown," Yulman said. "Roll Wave.”

University and city officials have implemented a massive traffic, parking and security plan in preparation for the unusual influx of tens of thousands of people into Uptown on Saturdays.

The front of the new stadium. Tulane football teams have played in the cavernous Superdome since the building was completed, but to sparse crowds.

Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, only vehicles with city-issued permits will be allowed to access these streets:

Audubon Blvd. – Closed in both directions from South Claiborne Ave. to Willow St.
Willow St. – Closed in both directions from Calhoun St. to Audubon St.
Ben Weiner Dr. – Closed between South Claiborne Ave. and McAlister Ext.

City public works employees are replacing incorrect, faded and out-of-date signage throughout the vicinity of the Tulane campus, and parking enforcement officers will be out in force. Tulane officials say NOPD and Tulane Police Department officers, emergency medical technicians and the NOFD will be heavily seeded throughout the area to expedite emergency response.

Tailgating and parking information — including a series of lots around the city serviced by Tulane shuttle buses — can be found in the Green Wave Game Day Fan Guide.