Super Bowl LIX: 10 Facility Facts About the Caesars Superdome

Facilities play a major role in our daily lives and some of pop culture’s greatest moments. Case in point, stadiums that host huge sporting events like the Super Bowl.

Despite their unique features and interesting history, these essential structures often go overlooked. With millions of Americans poised to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles battle it out during Super Bowl LIX, here are 10 facility facts about the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, the iconic venue hosting the big game this Sunday:

1. Home of the Saints: The Superdome has been the home stadium of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints since it opened in 1975, making it the fifth-oldest active NFL stadium.

2. Seating Capacity: The venue can hold 73,000+ spectators for football games, with expandable seating and a maximum capacity of 83,000 for larger events like concerts.

3. Caesars Sponsorship: In 2021, Caesars Entertainment acquired the stadium’s naming rights for 20 years, changing it from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to the Caesars Superdome.

4. Largest Fixed-Dome Structure: The Superdome is the largest fixed-dome stadium in the world, spanning 13 acres with a diameter of 680 feet and a height of 273 feet.

5. Custom Exterior: Nearly 400,000 square feet of aluminum makes up the exterior skin of the Superdome. The custom anodized, light bronze exterior panels have a fade-proof finish, measure 1 foot by 25 feet, and weigh approximately 27.5 pounds each. The aluminum was specifically researched, developed, and tested for the project.

6. Most Super Bowls Hosted: The Superdome has hosted seven Super Bowls (soon to be eight with Super Bowl LIX), the most of any stadium.

7. Hurricane Katrina Shelter: During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Superdome served as an emergency shelter for over 30,000 people. Following the storm, the venue closed for 13 months for major repairs and improvements.

8. Super Bowl Blackout: The Superdome infamously endured a 34-minute power outage during Super Bowl XLVII in 2013. An investigation concluded the blackout was caused by a switchgear’s relay device, and the utility company has since made infrastructure upgrades to help avoid another power fiasco.

9. Major Renovations: The Superdome has undergone a series of renovations, most recently launching a multiphase, $560 million makeover to modernize the venue and enhance the fan experience.

10. Multi-Event Venue: In addition to NFL games, the Superdome has hosted NCAA Men’s Final Fours, WWE WrestleManias, annual Sugar Bowls, Muhammad Ali’s famous “September to Remember” victory against Leon Spinks, and major concerts featuring artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to Taylor Swift, whose recent Eras Tour was the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.

Learn more about the Caesars Superdome on the venue’s website here.

The post Super Bowl LIX: 10 Facility Facts About the Caesars Superdome appeared first on Facilities Management Advisor.