New Orleans, LA -- (Sports Network) - The New Orleans Saints announced on Tuesday that the team's season-opening contest at the Louisiana Superdome against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be played as scheduled.

"There were a number of critical issues that needed to be addressed before we could make this announcement," said Saints owner Tom Benson. "We have been assured by Superdome officials that the stadium is ready to host our fans and our team."

The contest, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. (et) on Sunday, September 7 might have been in doubt because of the mass evacuations in the region due to Hurricane Gustav, which made landfall southwest of New Orleans on Monday.

In advance of the storm, the Saints had been relocated to Indianapolis. The team will remain there and practice for the rest of the week, then head back to the Crescent City on Friday.

The Superdome did not suffer any significant damage from Gustav's pounding rain and winds.

"We want to thank Jim Irsay, Bill Polian and the Indianapolis Colts in making the transition to Indianapolis seamless," said Saints executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis. "We are pleased to report today that we will be back in New Orleans to play our game in our hometown in front of our fans on Sunday."