'Bourbon-gating' fans crowd New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, La. (WALA) - Thousands of Bama and LSU fans spent Monday morning tailgating throughout the Big Easy.

In New Orleans, tailgating isn't always done next to a vehicle.

Fans took their pre-game celebration into local bars and clubs along Bourbon Street.

“We're going to call this 'Bourbon-gating'. We’re 'Bourbon-gating' today,” said one Bama fan celebrating in the bars.

Many of those fans actually have a ticket to the big rematch Monday night, but they said there is nothing like a little fan rivalry in the French Quarter.

"You know, I’ve been shaking hands and having fun with the tiger fans. It's going to be a great night. May the best team win," he said.

As expected, “bourbon-gating” started early Monday morning.

Some of the businesses have been open since 9 a.m., and others never even closed their doors.

Bar owners said no matter which team wins, it will continue well into the night.

In the Crescent City, fans said you tailgate with lots of color, noise, and friendly banter.

“They're (LSU fans) a little more colorful, and they say things before the game. But, we're going to talk on the field. Our players talk for us,” said another Bama fan.

The BCS National Championship has garnered lots of attention over the past couple of months.

Even the media frenzy surrounding the BCS has gotten attention of its own.

One reason for all that attention is the hype.

It's something we saw in the demand for tickets and the ticket prices.

“I can’t eat or buy shoes for a year,but we’re here,” said one Bama fan who plans to attend the BCS game.

“Tickets are so high because of the rematch; two SEC teams, two of the best in the nation,” said another fan.

Fans said all the media attention is bound to shine a positive light on the City of New Orleans.

Others said it's nothing they haven’t seen before.

“We’re use to this. This is how LSU roles, nothing to it. It's what happens when your number one, you know,” said one LSU fan.