With the Saints Superdome homecoming on the horizon, the NOPD announced Friday plans to keep the expected crowds safe and traffic moving when thousands of fans flock downtown for the game.

For Saints fans, traffic into and out of the Dome will flow the same as it has in years past. Traffic before the game will flow clockwise.

For Saints fans returning to the Dome Monday night, there will be security measures put in place.

Dome officials have asked people to arrive at 5:30 p.m. and to go to the game empty-handed if at all possible. There’ll be a specific entrance available for those not carrying anything into the Superdome.

However, police said they would only allow small bags and purses through the turnstiles, such as a diaper bag or a binoculars case. Gym bags, fanny packs and backpacks will not be allowed in the building.

Post-game, traffic will flow counter-clockwise. Authorities say traffic could be heavier, and security is being treated as if it was a Superbowl or Sugarbowl event.

Parking will be available in Superdome parking garages 1 and 1A in front of Sugar Bowl Drive. Parking garage number 2 on LaSalle Street would also be available beginning at 6 a.m. The cost for parking will be $25.

All other garages at the Superdome will be reserved for season ticket holders with parking passes.

The NOPD also said parking would not be allowed within the following neighborhoods:

--On Perdido Street from Loyola to S. Claiborne.

--On Poydras Street (both sides) from Loyola to S. Claiborne.

--On Tulane Avenue from S. Liberty to S. Robertson.

--On Girod Street from Loyola to LaSalle.

--On S. Robertson Street from Poydras to Perdido.

--On S. Claiborne Avenue from Poydras to Canal.

--On LaSalle Street from Poydras to Tulane.

An additional 200 police officers will be set up in and around the Superdome. Because so many officers will be at the Dome, the National Guard will be patrolling the city's criminal hotspots.