Caesars Superdome — More Than a Stadium

Governor John McKeithen toured Houston's Astrodome in 1966 and said he wanted one of those, only bigger. What the state got in August 1975 was the largest fixed-dome structure in the world: 273 feet tall, 680 feet in diameter, steel frame covering 13 acres. The New Orleans modernist firm Curtis and Davis drew the plans in 1967. Local businessman David Dixon had conceived the project while trying to convince the NFL to award New Orleans a franchise — Commissioner Pete Rozelle told him the league would never expand into the city without a domed stadium. Political delays pushed construction start to August 1971. The final cost hit $165 million, driven up by inflation, construction delays, and the 1973 oil crisis. The Saints moved in for the 1975 season; their home opener on September 28 was a 21–0 shutout loss to Cincinnati. Tulane Stadium, the Saints' original home, was condemned for destruction the day the Superdome opened. On August 29, 2005, the Superdome became a shelter of last resort for those unable to evacuate Hurricane Katrina. During the storm, a large section of the outer covering peeled off, exposing concrete underneath. That image became iconic. By August 31, three deaths had occurred inside: two elderly medical patients and a man believed to have jumped from the upper-level seats. The building remained closed until September 25, 2006. Repairs cost $185 million — $115 million from FEMA, $13 million from the state, $41 million from refinanced bonds, $15 million from the NFL. The reopening featured a pre-game performance by U2 and Green Day covering "The Saints Are Coming" and a coin toss by President George W. Bush. The Saints beat the Falcons 23–3 with 70,003 in attendance — ESPN's largest-ever audience at that time. On July 27, 2012, a statue titled *Rebirth* was unveiled at a plaza next to the Superdome, depicting Steve Gleason's blocked punt in that first post-Katrina game. The building has hosted eight Super Bowls, the most of any stadium as of 2025. During Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013, a relay device in an Entergy electrical vault a quarter-mile away caused a partial power failure that halted play for 34 minutes in the third quarter. In November 2019, a $450 million renovation designed by Trahan Architects was approved — atriums replacing the ramp system, improved concourses, field-level end zone boxes. The work was completed in phases in time to host Super Bowl LIX in early 2025. Current capacity: 73,208 for football, expandable to 76,468. Tours available on non-event days.