Southeastern students welcomed the return of Saints football at the Paint Cayman Café Black and Gold event hosted by Campus Dining. The event was held on Sept. 8 prior to the start of the National Football League’s opening game featuring the New Orleans Saints against the Green Bay Packers.

For students who love Saints football, the event was an opportunity to mingle with fellow fans. In short, the event brought Saints football to Southeastern.

“We are from New Orleans so it kind of gives us a taste of home,” said freshman biology major Katie Neil and freshman communications major Lindsey Gros.

In addition to hanging out, students listened to Saints and football themed music. Further, Campus Dining arranged Louisiana style food such as jambalaya, chicken fingers, gumbo, shrimp creole and corn. Attendees were also given the opportunity to enter a raffle for a chance to win a Saints pennant.

“It gets people involved and it lets people know Saints football is back,” said sophomore communication major, Shaniqua Lewis.

Drawings for the raffle were held every 30 minutes. Four names were called at a time and the winners were allowed to choose from one of three different Saints pennants. Students had to be present at the event when their name was called in order to win a prize.

“I am very happy to get free stuff,” said Chris Kamm, a senior majoring in kinesiology, after winning a Saints pennant. “I am definitely going to put this up in my room. It’s going up before the game starts.”

Ramsey stated that Campus Dining is considering holding another Paint Cayman Café Black and Gold event since there was a good turnout.

“On the next Saints game we will probably do it again,” said Ramsey. “Instead of door prizes there could be something different.”

Campus Dining promoted the event by email and flyers so those looking to participate in future events should be on the lookout for these notifications.

The event ended roughly 30 minutes before kick-off. Despite an impressive performance by the Saints running back Darren Spoles who returned a 72-yard punt for a touchdown, the Packers claimed victory 42-34.