Saints: What Fans Need to Know About The Upgrades at Caesars Superdome
The Caesars Superdome has undergone a stunning transformation for the 2023 NFL season, representing a significant milestone in its $500 million renovation project. This ambitious endeavor, launched in 2019 with the aim of completion ahead of New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl in 2025, is reshaping the iconic venue.
In August, the finishing touches were put on the stadium's east side, and now, attention is shifting to the west side. The final phase is set to wrap up in time for Taylor Swift's highly anticipated sold-out October 2024 concerts.
As part of this extensive renovation, the Dome has received a facelift and practical enhancements. Saints fans and visitors can expect revamped entrances, expanded food and drink options, and more spacious bathrooms. The walkways have been upgraded and widened to improve accessibility, while new security features will expedite entry into the Superdome.
Another exciting addition is the introduction of specific entrance gates for ticket holders, ensuring a smoother flow of fans. One of the most impressive improvements is the installation of new escalators, dramatically reducing the time it takes for guests to reach their seats from minutes to mere seconds.
Fans seated in the 500 and 600 levels, commonly called the terrace, will enjoy a vastly improved game day experience. Alongside the speedy escalators, these levels now offer an array of new food and drink choices. Moreover, women's restrooms have undergone extensive renovations, addressing one of the top visitor complaints, and baby-changing tables are available in both men's and women's restrooms.
The Dome now features private spaces known as "mother's rooms" to accommodate breastfeeding mothers, complete with chairs, sinks, and changing tables. For wheelchair users, new ADA-accessible seats and viewing decks, along with ADA-friendly elevators, have been installed on various levels.
Adding to the upgrades is the Caesars Legends Club, a stylish bar and concession area on the 200 level designed exclusively for club-level ticket holders.
While the initial project estimate was $450 million, unforeseen factors, including the pandemic and rising costs of goods and services, pushed the total cost to $500 million. The state's capital input is capped at $54 million, with the Saints covering one-third of the project's cost and the additional $50 million coming from a combination of Saints' funds and bond funding from the Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District.
In the words of Dennis Lauscha, President of the New Orleans Saints, this renovation marks an exciting chapter for the Superdome, with more work to come. The team has already submitted its application to host future Super Bowls. However, Lauscha emphasized that the decision hinges on the calendar aligning with Mardi Gras rather than the stadium itself.
