Image Source: Jeff Duncan
Key Takeaways
- New Orleans has been invited to bid on Super Bowl 2031, a major opportunity for the city’s sports scene
- The city is planning a major renovation of the Smoothie King Center and the Superdome area to create a sports and entertainment complex
- The NBA has committed to New Orleans as a long-term home for the Pelicans, with a potential lease extension and arena renovation on the horizon
- The city is addressing concerns about hotel room inventory and airport capacity to improve its chances of hosting major events like the Super Bowl
- The potential economic impact of hosting Super Bowl 2031 could be significant, with estimated economic output of over $1 billion
Introduction to New Orleans’ Sports Scene
New Orleans’ sports scene has received a significant boost with the recent summit meetings between Saints-Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, Gov. Jeff Landry, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver. The meetings have paved the way for a potential windfall for the city, including the possibility of hosting Super Bowl 2031. As Benson stated, "We had a very positive and productive meeting, and I am thrilled that we will have the opportunity to bid on the 2031 Super Bowl." The city’s ability to host major events like the Super Bowl is a testament to its reputation as a "big-league city" and a major player in the sports world.
The Road to Super Bowl 2031
The invitation to bid on Super Bowl 2031 came after a meeting between Benson and Goodell at NFL offices in New York. The Saints had originally planned to submit New Orleans’ bid for the 2031 game in September, but were unable to do so due to a delay in finalizing a lease extension with the state of Louisiana, which owns the Superdome. However, with the lease extension now in place, the city is well-positioned to make a strong bid for the game. As NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy noted, "It was a very productive meeting, and while our immediate focus is on the upcoming Super Bowls, we can confirm that New Orleans will be part of the consideration process for the Super Bowl to be played in 2031."
Competition for Super Bowl Hosting Rights
New Orleans will face competition from other cities vying to host Super Bowl 2031, including Denver, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Florida, and Washington, D.C., which are all expected to have new stadiums constructed in the next several years. However, the city’s unique charm and hospitality, as well as its proven track record of hosting successful Super Bowls, make it an attractive candidate. As Gov. Landry noted, "Louisiana has successfully hosted Super Bowls with our unparalleled hospitality… Given a chance, we look forward to rolling out the welcome mat once again." The city’s ability to host events like Super Bowl LIX, which generated an estimated $1.25 billion in economic output, is a significant advantage in its bid for future Super Bowls.
Renovation Plans for the Smoothie King Center
In addition to the potential for hosting Super Bowl 2031, the city is also planning a major renovation of the Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans. The renovation, which is part of a long-term lease agreement between the Pelicans and the state, would include an increase in seating capacity, more premium club seating, and upgrades to the sound and video systems. As Benson noted, "We had a very positive meeting with Adam Silver, and we look forward to continuing with the due diligence on seeing this renovation get completed." The renovation is seen as a key part of the city’s efforts to remain a competitive host for major events and to provide a top-notch facility for the Pelicans.
Addressing Concerns about Hotel Room Inventory and Airport Capacity
One of the concerns raised by NFL officials after Super Bowl LIX was the city’s relative lack of high-end hotel room inventory and luxury event space, as well as the capacity of Louis Armstrong International Airport to handle the influx of visitors. However, the city is addressing these concerns through plans to expand the airport and add new hotels, including the new Omni hotel. As Benson noted, "We showed the commissioner plans that are already underway for nearly $1 billion in hotel investment in the city… We were also excited to share that the airport will be realizing nearly a billion dollars in major upgrades that include adding 15 new gates and access roads." These investments are expected to improve the city’s ability to host major events and provide a better experience for visitors.
Commitment to New Orleans as an NBA City
The meetings with Silver also provided an opportunity for the city to showcase its commitment to the Pelicans and the NBA. As Benson noted, "We have proven that New Orleans is a big-league city, an NFL city and an NBA city. After spending time with both commissioners in the last two days, it is clear they are committed to New Orleans, as well." The potential lease extension and arena renovation are seen as key components of the city’s efforts to remain a competitive host for the NBA and to provide a top-notch facility for the Pelicans. With the city’s unique charm, hospitality, and commitment to its sports teams, New Orleans is well-positioned for a bright future in the sports world.
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/new-orleans-could-get-2031-super-bowl-nba-arena-upgrades/article_00f5321b-8619-41c2-b1ec-f4820365e6f7.html
