No matter who wins the bowl games, New Orleans will score an economic boost from college football fans.
"Nobody has ever had three major bowls in the same season before," said Bill Curl, a spokesman for the Superdome. "Everybody is happy about it. The whole city is happy. Tourism is the engine that drives the economy here."
Now, at last, comes proof that New Orleans is back as a premier tourist attraction. With the New Orleans Bowl behind us, we'll have the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night and the BCS championship game on Jan. 7.
"It's a dream come true," said restaurateur Dickie Brennan, who owns three New Orleans eateries.
The students who travel to New Orleans for the games are expected to fill the rowdy bars of Bourbon Street, while the older, well-heeled alumni will frequent the famed -- and expensive -- restaurants.
"Bowl visitors are fantastic," said Jay Cicero, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, a nonprofit group promoting sports events in the city. "They're all supporters of their schools. They're willing to travel farther, stay a few more days, spend more money. So, yes, they have greater economic impact."
"Everyone is in a good mood," said Brennan, an LSU grad. "And on top of everything, a local team is involved in the national championship game."
An economic study conducted by UNO showed that a normal Sugar Bowl brings about $150 million into the city, and the BCS championship game is projected to generate an additional $250 million, said Mark Roming, president of the Sugar Bowl.
The Superdome holds about 72,000 fans, but for both the Sugar Bowl and national championship games, two or three times as many persons will come, said Roming.
"Many people come here hoping for a ticket, but end up partying outside the stadium," he said. "They're singing fight songs all up and down Bourbon Street."
A total of $195 million has been spent on repairs and upgrades in the Superdome, with funds coming from FEMA and from refinancing construction bonds. Work on he Dome received a higher priority than some other projects for a couple of reasons, said Curl.
"One, the Superdome has become the symbol of New Orleans' recovery. Since Katrina, it is the most recognizable landmark in the state," said Curl. "Two, we needed to get back in commerce."
With two bowl games remaining, there shouldn't be any doubt that it is.
No matter who wins the bowl games, 
