New Orleans Super Bowl Guide
Photo courtesy of Caleb Woods on Unsplash
New Orleans is one of the most iconic cities to host a Super Bowl, famed for its electric atmosphere, unique local culture, and rich history. For Super Bowl fans, New Orleans offers a blend of world-class sporting events and captivating local experiences. Here’s your guide to making the most of the Super Bowl weekend in the Crescent City.
What You Should Know About Super Bowl 2025
But first, here’s some Super Bowl 2025 information:
When: New Orleans hosts its record-tying 11th NFL Championship game, Super Bowl LIX, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Super Bowl LIX will be the eighth time the Superdome will host, a record for hosting the most Super Bowls!
Where: Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Where to get tickets: You have several options, including On Location and StubHub. Currently, the cheapest Super Bowl tickets in 2025 cost about $5,500.
Halftime show headliner: Kendrick Lamar, who has 17 Grammys and three albums reach No. 1 in the U.S.
Best place to tailgate: Champions Square, a 60,000-square-foot outdoor plaza right outside the Superdome and across from the Smoothie King Center that can accommodate as many as 8,000 fans.
Parking: There are seven parking garages and two surface lots around the Caesars Superdome that can be used by visitors. You might have to purchase a parking permit. There are also “first come, first serve” parking lots along Loyola Avenue, S. Rampart Street, and several side streets in the vicinity of the Superdome. The rate will likely be higher than usual, and reservations may be required for buses, campers and RVs.
Clear bag policy: Caesars Superdome enforces the NFL’s clear bag policy (details here).
You should also know:
The NFL uses mobile tickets for all events. Guests must display their passes on mobile phones to enter. Screenshots and printouts of the ticket will not be scanned and accepted.
Re-entry is not allowed at Caesars Superdome unless a guest is permitted due to special circumstances. This includes medical emergencies or for the care of a service animal.
Caesars Superdome is a cashless stadium. Only credit and debit cards are accepted at concessions. Visitors may convert their cash to a Visa Card at guest service locations around the venue.
Don’t have a ticket but want to watch the game close to the action, or have pre- or post-game drinks? There are many bars near the Smoothie King Center and Superdome, including Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar, Walk-On’s, The Rusty Nail, Baroness on Baronne, and more. To eat nearby, try Willa Jean, Copper Vine, Headquarters by NGN (it stands for “Nice Guys NOLA”), or Devil Moon BBQ.
What to Do
New Orleans offers an array of activities for every visitor, from sports fans to culture enthusiasts. Here’s how to fill your itinerary beyond the Super Bowl itself:
Explore the French Quarter
Take a leisurely walk through the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll find iconic sites like Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market. Don’t miss the lively sounds of Bourbon Street in the evening. For easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!
Catch Some Live Music
Music is at the heart of New Orleans culture. You can catch live jazz and blues performances across the city, especially along Frenchmen Street in the Marigny. Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat are popular spots to experience world-class performances from local talent.
Visit the Garden District
If you’re craving a scenic stroll, head to the Garden District, where you’ll find grand mansions, historic homes, and beautiful oak-lined streets. Magazine Street, running through the district, has some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
Join a Second Line Parade
Second Line parades are lively, impromptu street celebrations led by a brass band. They’re a unique tradition that’s often organized for weddings and special events, but around Super Bowl weekend, you’re likely to spot a few throughout the city. Feel free to jump in and dance along as locals celebrate in style!
Join a Ghost or Voodoo Tour
New Orleans is often called America’s most haunted city, and ghost or voodoo tours are a popular activity for visitors. Led by local guides who share spine-chilling tales of ghosts and folklore, these tours explore some of the Quarter’s most haunted locations. You’ll visit old cemeteries, haunted mansions, and historic sites while learning about the city’s deep-rooted fascination with the supernatural. Also, consider booking a guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.
Take a Riverboat Cruise
Experience the Mississippi River aboard a traditional paddlewheeler, like the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen. Many cruises feature live jazz performances, Creole dining, and beautiful views of the city’s skyline. The cruise offers a unique perspective of New Orleans, taking you back in time as you enjoy the leisurely pace of river life.
Enjoy Live Jazz at Preservation Hall
A trip to New Orleans would be incomplete without a night of live jazz, and Preservation Hall is one of the best places to experience it. This legendary venue offers intimate jazz performances in an old, no-frills space that’s been part of New Orleans’ jazz history for generations. Shows are held nightly, and tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking in advance.
Indulge in Cajun and Creole Cuisine
The French Quarter is packed with renowned eateries that capture the essence of New Orleans cuisine. Try the gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, the jambalaya at Coop’s Place, or the fresh seafood at Oceana Grill. If you’re craving something sweet, beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde are a French Quarter staple.
What to See
Jackson Square
One of the French Quarter’s most picturesque spots, Jackson Square, is framed by the historic St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America. This bustling square is a magnet for artists, musicians, and street performers who entertain visitors against a stunning backdrop of 18th-century French architecture. Visit the nearby Presbytère and Cabildo, two historic buildings housing exhibits on New Orleans history and culture, from Mardi Gras costumes to artifacts from the city’s colonial days.
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is legendary for its nightlife, and it’s a must-see for first-time visitors. With neon lights, bustling bars, live jazz clubs, and unique souvenirs, it’s the beating heart of the French Quarter. Be sure to pop into a jazz bar or piano lounge for some authentic New Orleans music or simply stroll along the street to experience the energy and spectacle that defines this iconic stretch.
French Market
Dating back to 1791, the French Market is a vibrant open-air space offering everything from local foods to arts and crafts. Sample beignets from Cafe Du Monde, taste local spices, or browse through stalls of handmade jewelry and crafts. This market brings together locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect spot to get a sense of the city’s vibrant culture and artisanal heritage.
Historic Voodoo Landmarks
New Orleans’ history is deeply intertwined with voodoo culture. Visit the Voodoo Museum to learn about the origins of voodoo in the city, or Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, dedicated to the famous voodoo queen, where you’ll find altars, artifacts, and readings by practicing voodooists. For those interested in a more hands-on experience, many tours in the French Quarter explore the neighborhood’s eerie folklore and supernatural legends.
Royal Street
For a calmer, more scenic experience, take a stroll down Royal Street, known for its galleries, antique shops, and charming architecture. With musicians playing on the street and beautifully preserved Creole townhouses adorned with cast-iron balconies, Royal Street offers a more relaxed side of the Quarter. The galleries here showcase a blend of contemporary and classic art, perfect for those interested in bringing home a unique piece of New Orleans.
Game Day Tips
When game day arrives, it’s best to be prepared for the excitement and crowds. Here are a few key tips for Super Bowl fans:
Arrive Early: The Superdome will be bustling on game day, so arrive early to find your seat, explore the stadium, and grab some snacks before kickoff.
Dress Comfortably: New Orleans’ weather can vary in February, so check the forecast and layer up if necessary. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to walk around the stadium and the downtown area.
Plan Transportation: Parking can be limited around the Superdome on game day, so consider public transportation or a rideshare service. Some hotels may also offer shuttles.
Get Ready for a Night Out: Once the game wraps up, hit Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street to keep the energy going with fellow fans, live music, and local food.
Are you planning to visit New Orleans for the Super Bowl? Visit FrenchQuarter.com/hotels to find your perfect historic French Quarter hotel that will put you right in the center of all of the action and within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ bars, restaurants and entertainment spots. If you prefer to stay our of the French Quarter, the Alder Hotel, located Uptown, is a great option.
