Saints expect 100 percent capacity at Superdome this season

The New Orleans Saints weren't allowed to have full capacity at the Superdome last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With vaccinations on the rise, the club is expecting a packed house in 2021. 

Saints president Dennis Lauscha told the team's website that he believes every seat will be filled for every home game this season. 

"I 100 percent expect full attendance, and everyone rockin' and rollin' and cheering our team on to victory," Lauscha said. "Absolutely." 

Lauscha added that the Saints are encouraging people to get vaccinated.

"Obviously, it's really important," he said. "We've got to get these vaccinations to get to herd immunity, at least community immunity, or get us to a comfortable place. As much as we can do to encourage vaccinations, we'll continue to do it. It's one of our No. 1 priorities."

A lot can change from now until Week 1 of the NFL season, and many clubs expect to have full stadiums once the season begins. 

New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said last month that she is "hopeful" the Saints will be able to fill every seat at the Superdome in the fall. 

Last season, capacity for Saints home games were based on guidelines at the state and local level. The season began with only friends and family of Saints personnel in attendance. The number increased to 3,000 fans and then 6,000 in November. Capacity would've risen to 15,000 fans toward the end of the season, but increased COVID-19 infections in New Orleans prevented that from happening.  

About 30.4% of people in Louisiana are fully vaccinated, and 3.01 million people have received at least one shot, according to Our World in Data.