A poll by Alcohol.org shows Saints and Raiders fans are the heaviest drinkers on game day, downing on average 4.5 alcoholic beverages when their teams are set to play.
Haley, a veteran New Orleans CBD bartender, thinks that sounds about right. She says that number is likely the result of the region’s drinking culture combining with businesses fighting to get game-day customers.
“You’ll have three for one beers, I’ve even seen places do three for one mixed drinks, so liquor is more accessible, which I think promotes people drinking more.”
50 percent of Saints fans named beer their go-to gameday drink, followed by 30 percent who said it was cocktails or straight liquor.
Saints fans also reported a 54 percent increase in the amount they drink on gamedays relative to a normal day, but Haley says due to New Orleans fans’ experience with alcohol, things tend to not get out of hand.
“Crime goes down statistically during Saints games because people are watching the game, busy, and in a good mood.”
Saints fans reported the largest increase in gameday drinking, followed by Jets and Bills fans.
Working near the Superdome, Haley says the biggest game-day drinking issues don’t come from Saints fans, but from traveling fans who overindulge on the city’s stiff drinks and become a problem.
“A standard pour of liquor in New Orleans if you order a shot or get a gin and tonic, is going to be a two ounce pour. In most places, the standard pour is an ounce and a half.”
