NEW ORLEANS — When Clemson landed at the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans on Wednesday, the Tigers actually fulfilled a goal – play in the Sugar Bowl.

A Clemson football team has not played in the Sugar Bowl since the 1959 classic, a 7-0 loss to LSU in The Big Easy.

“This is something we set out to do,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “We actually talked about it this (past) spring, this being kind of something we dream about. It has been 59 years since Clemson has been to the Sugar Bowl.

“To be here to represent our fans and the university is a great pleasure. It is just a huge privilege.”

Swinney said about 95 percent of his team has never been to New Orleans and he has not been in 25 years, with the exception of a brief few hours he spent with former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson at last year’s Manning Award presentation.

But as happy as the top-ranked Tigers (12-1) are to be in New Orleans and playing in the Sugar Bowl, there is still work to be done. Clemson will play No. 4 Alabama on Jan. 1at the Superdome as part of the College Football Playoff Semifinal. The winner of course will advance to the CFP National Championship Game on Jan. 8 and will play the winner of the Rose Bowl between No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 3 Georgia.

However, staying focused will not be easy. Clemson’s team hotel is located in the French Quarter of downtown New Orleans and not too far from the infamous Bourbon Street. It can be a tough balance for Swinney in allowing his team a little fun, but at the same time allowing anything that might be distracting.

“I kind of defer to the leadership of the team,” Swinney said. “If I have to worry about that right now, we will get our butts kicked and go on home. I’m not here to babysit them. These are grown men and I treat them that way and I defer to the leadership of our team.

“If I have done a good enough job from January to now in developing leadership, discipline, accountability and guys understanding there are consequence for your actions then you should not have to worry about that stuff when you show up.”

Swinney jokingly said he is more concerned about the culture shock of Bourbon Street for his players than anything else.

“We will have a little chat about that,” Swinney said. “But these guys are great. You have guys like Christian Wilkins, Dorian O’Daniel, Kelly Bryant, Mitch Hyatt, these are the leaders of your team. It is pretty easy. The best leadership comes from within.”

Swinney said the team will have a little more time Wednesday night to enjoy downtown, but they will tighten things as the week goes along.

“I just really count on them to do what they are supposed to do and really handle their business and hold each other accountable,” Swinney said. “It is no different than when we get here and if something comes to me, I’m going to deal with it. They all know there are consequences for your actions.

“I just think everyone has to make the right decisions. It is really a choice each and every day. You are either going to be committed to being the best you can be or you are not.”