Minnesota Vikings 9 @ New Orleans Saints 14: The View from Section 140 in Pictures

Unless you're extremely observant you probably didn't notice that I haven't been around the past three days. That is all credit to the other hardworking front page contributors - Andrew, Dave and Hans - because they all have one of the most important traits needed for a job like this: reliability. Much thanks to them for everything. 

I was in the lovely city of Chicago to attend the nuptials of two good friends and was without internet access for the weekend. Because I left early Friday morning, I only had time Thursday night to do my usual writeup and never posted the requisite pictures to accompany it. So to continue the reliability theme of this introduction, I give to you my photos from the Saints victory over the Vikings on Thursday night. During the game it felt like I didn't take many pictures but as it turns out, there's a bunch. 

Make the jump to see them. 

Traffic was backed up on St. Charles uptown. 

Streetcar was broken down due to lightning strikes so we had to take the bus. It was packed. 

No caption necessary.

This guy was trying to get the bus driver to give a long, loud honk. She didn't. 

Entering Champions Square.

Lots of food vendors. 

I went with the Prime Beef Cheese Steak from the Brennan family of restaurants. Very good. 

Looking up the stairs. 

The crowd of people trying to get inside the Dome. 

Madden video games set up just inside the door. 

Harry Connick, Jr. 

Benson came over to shake Voodoo Man's hand.  Check out the Super Bowl Champions suit specially made for him. 

Looking for some face time on camera. 

Pre-game chat. 

Commissioner Roger Goodell made an appearance on the sideline. 

This picture makes it look like Roger Goodell and Mrs. Benson are about to start a heavy duty make out session. 

I believe that is Roger Goodell's wife and daughters. 

Fortunately, I didn't have to look at this all night. 

Andrea Kremer doing work. 

Harry Connick, Jr. leading the Super Bowl Champions float. 

A wider perspective. 

The unveiling. I wonder how cool it is to sit right underneath and to be so close. 

No player introductions. Probably didn't have enough time. 

Drew giving the signal to the crowd for the Who Dat chant like he's starting a 50's drag race. 

Unified front. 

This is what a really expensive steady cam looks like when it's broken. 

I think Gregg Williams needs a Manssiere.

Or perhaps a Bro.

Halftime performance. 

Just in case you missed it. 

Post-game sets for Fox, CST and WDSU. 

Rickey Jackson's Hall of Fame ring ceremony. 

For the ladies. 

For the fellas. 

Closeup. 

Rickey's ride. 

An actual picture of football. 

Vilma and Williams talking. 

Williams getting lots of hugs. 

Morstead walking off the field. 

Not to scale. 

That's the coolest office ever.