Stupid

How many major NFL and NCAA games has New Orleans hosted? How many parades, festivals, and other special events have been held in or near Jackson Square over the years? Have any of those necessitated stupid shit like this?

The biggest concern is that large sections of the pedestrian mall will be closed off, thus keeping potential customers away from store fronts.

Business owners we talked with say they've been told Jackson Square will be closed Thursday for the event and also the day before because of rehearsals.

Shelly Waguespack, President of the French Quarter Business Association, acknowledges there will be some issues with traffic and restrictions, but she sees the celebration as an opportunity for merchants.

"We want this event to happen and we're really happy that this event is happening. I mean, it's the Saints. It's the NFL, for goodness sakes," Waguespack said. "The NFL didn't give the city as much information as we had liked, but our communication with the city has been very good and positive, so we're very happy about that."

But shop owner Peter Athas says the details haven't reached those who will be affected most.

"I love the Saints. I even like the Dave Matthews Band, but I would've appreciated if they had contacted the merchants, told us what was going on. We don't know what to expect. I don't have a clue," he said.

Personally, I happen to think Dave Matthews sucks but there's no accounting for the taste of these French Quarter business owners. Even so, they ought to be able to open up on Wednesday and Thursday to greet the crowds in town for the game. Why does the NFL get to dictate these terms?