At the end of the first quarter

Question

So why didn't they use the purple/green/gold on the field? Is that JUST for Mardi Gras?

Answer

The purple, green, and gold color scheme is deeply associated with Mardi Gras and New Orleans culture, especially as these are the official colors of the celebration. However, when it comes to sporting events, the decision to not use these specific Mardi Gras colors on the field at the end of the first quarter (or in any standard game setting) usually comes down to tradition and the norms of how the field is decorated during official games.

Why wasn't the purple/green/gold used on the field?

Standard Field Design: Sports fields, especially in professional settings like football games, typically follow a set design that includes team colors, logos, and perhaps sponsor branding. The end zones, for example, would likely feature the team’s branding and not colors associated with a specific cultural event like Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Theme vs. Regular Game: While Mardi Gras colors are iconic, they are usually reserved for specific parades, parties, and cultural displays during the season. Sporting events are often focused on the teams playing and their traditional color schemes, so the use of Mardi Gras colors might be limited to things like halftime performances, fan gear, or promotional activities, but not on the actual playing field.
Safety and Visibility: Teams and event organizers also consider the visibility and safety of players on the field. Bright, highly contrasting colors (like purple, green, and gold) could interfere with player visibility and the clarity of the game, especially when it comes to distinguishing between players, coaches, and referees.

Is purple/green/gold just for Mardi Gras?

While these colors are most commonly seen during Mardi Gras, they do carry a deeper meaning in New Orleans, representing justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold). But outside of Mardi Gras season, you'll see these colors used in a variety of other ways—on decorations, costumes, and even in some local sports team merchandise around the time of the festival. It’s not just limited to the Mardi Gras celebration itself, but it’s most heavily associated with the event.

So, while the purple/green/gold color scheme isn't typically used on the field during a standard game, you'll definitely see it in full force around the city during Mardi Gras season, as well as in other festive and cultural contexts throughout New Orleans!