March 19, 2014
Backstage Pass: Open Workout 14.3

The saying goes that New Orleanians love Jesus, Sean Payton and Drew Brees. And during football season, not necessarily in that order.

On March 13, the Crescent City showed it also loved CrossFit as affiliate CrossFit NOLA played host to the live announcement of Open Workout 14.3 with Alessandra Pichelli and Stacie Tovar.

The event was complete with jambalaya, crawfish, Andouille sausage, beignets and an extended appearance by Payton, head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

At the event, CrossFit Tour Director Paula Gravatt gets a tutorial in peeling and eating crawfish—including the tradition of enjoying all parts of the crustacean.

“I don’t know if I can suck the head. I’m not. Oh my God,” she says before eventually giving it a go.

Meanwhile, play-by-play commentator Chase Ingraham, a member of CrossFit’s Level 1 Seminar Staff, laments recent changes to his diet.

“I gave up bread and sugar a week ago. I’ve always wanted a hot beignet from New Orleans, and I gave up bread and sugar.”

And event host Kiki Dickson explains her unique pants, which elicited a “#dospantsdoe” from Miranda Oldroyd on Instagram.

“These are my New Orleans party pants,” Dickson says before laughing. “Don’t hate. Appreciate.”

Open Workout 14.4 will be announced live from Seattle, Wash., on the CrossFit Games site on March 20 at 5 p.m. PST.

Video by Jordan Gravatt.