Fans listen to Goo Goo dolls at New Orleans Superdome, Monday

The New Orleans Saints have defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 23-3, in the first National Football League game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast last year.

Monday night's game was played in a raucous, Mardi Gras-like atmosphere, with rock groups U2, The Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day performing inside and outside the stadium.

The Saints treated nearly 70,000 fans inside the stadium to a convincing win over the Falcons, holding quarterback Michael Vick and the Falcons' potent running game in check. The Saints scored their first touchdown on a blocked punt.

The Saints used San Antonio, Texas, as their home base last season after Katrina ravaged New Orleans. The stadium became a shelter for thousands of storm refugees, even though winds damaged 70 percent of the Superdome's roof.

The Saints' triumphant return home gives them a 3-0 record this season. With the loss, the Falcons fell to 2-1.