Saints Angels of the Week: The Who Dat Nation - Week 7

The Who Dat Nation has an unique spirit and passionately supports the New Orleans Saints through the good, bad and ugly of the NFL.

The passion, style and unique fanatical support for their boys in black and gold uniforms has the Saints News Network/SI honoring the entire “Who Dat Nation” as this week’s Saints Angels of the Week.  New Orleans Saints Head Coach, team owner Mrs. Benson, GM Mickey Loomis and the Saints players all understand the kindred connection the Who Dat Nation has with the team and contributing to the team’s winning in the NFL.  

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Here are a few reasons the Who Dat Nation are the best in the NFL:

1. Who Dat Nation “rep” their hometown team no matter where the location and time of year.  Ask the Falcon fans, the Who Dat Nation boldly “reps” in Atlanta’s hostile territory during and outside of the football season.  It’s a 365 day per year calling to be a member of the Who Dat Nation.  And, many fans are proud and devoted to the cause.
2. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is one of the loudest and toughest places for NFL opponents to play.
3. The spirit of the fans are unparalleled! If the Saints lose by a controversial call, the fans throw a protest party, fill Champions' Square plaza, play loud music, party and second line.
4. Saints fans are renowned for their mouthwatering tailgating. Sometimes City Hall and businesses across the Crescent City would dedicate Fridays before special home games a holiday, in order for Who Dats to celebrate and party before the big game on Sunday.   It’s great to have long weekends for the home games.
5. Win or lose, the Who Dat Nation can be found in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome creating a perfect orchestra of "WHO DAT, WHO DAT!  WHO DAT SAY THEY GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS, WHO DAT, WHO DAT!”

New Orleans is world-renowned for Mardi Gras, music, and authentic cuisine.  There is a plethora of festivals, infamous Bourbon Street, French architecture and culture.  NOLA, as many citizens affectionately call the city, is well known for our Beloved New Orleans Saints and Saints Fans, the Who Dat Nation. 

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Professor Mike Lewis of Emory University Marketing Department ranked all 32 National Football League fan bases using quantitative criteria. With data-driven research, Lewis ranked the New Orleans Saints fan base at No. 10.  His research considered more than attendance figures, revenue, and Twitter followers. He considered revenues, attendance, social media following, and road attendance. Saints fans reaped the benefits of traveling to away games as highest in “road equity”.  They ranked the Saints fans 7th in travel. Several of those represent teams with strong national brands and larger markets like the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys.

While Professor Lewis ranked the Who Dat Nation at No. 10, Yardbarker cited the New Orleans Saints as possessing the best, most enthusiastic fan base in the entire NFL. Sam Lucio considered the Who Dats as the most ardent fans he has ever seen. Yardbarker mentioned how the New Orleans Saints are a part of the fabric of the city and was mesmerized at how the mood of the city rises and falls depending on how the team plays and their record.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

There is no place like the Superdome on any given Sunday as Saints fans devote heart and soul like no other. Regardless of research or rankings, New Orleans Saints fans are more dedicated and have more devotion to its team than any in the National Football League. Being a Saints fan is not a hobby; it’s a lifestyle! Congratulations New Orleans Saints Fans “Who Dat Nation” you are the Saints News Network/SI’s Saints Angel of the Week. WHO DAT!

Saints Angels is a podcast dedicated to the female fans of the New Orleans Saints.  The program is produced by the Saints News Network.