The Mercedes-Benz Superdome has, for the most part, remained the same since it’s creation back in the 1970s. That will likely change as State and New Orleans Saints officials are working towards an agreement to keep the team in Louisiana through 2035 and plan a transformative renovation of the Superdome.
The renovations, which would cost $450 million is the most expensive overhaul of the iconic stadium in its 44-year history. Governor John Bel Edwards gave his blessing to the plan during an April 17 meeting with state and team officials.
“The building has to be modernized so we can improve the fan experience,” Saints president Dennis Lauscha said. “This is basically a wash for us financially.”
Some of the changes include:
- Re-imagined entry lobbies at the corners of the stadium along Poydras Street and Champions Square
- Removal of the sideline pedestrian ramps leading fans to the lodge, club/suite and terrace levels of the building, and replacing them with additional escalators.
- New east and west sideline club lounges.
- Expanded 300 level luxury box suites.
- New end zone field level box suites.
- Expanded plaza, loge and terrace level concourses.
- New end-zone corner standing-room-only viewing decks.
- Expanded team store, retail outlets and Saints Hall of Fame.
- New visiting team locker room
If approved, construction would take place in four phases over the next four years, starting in January 2020 after either the College Football Playoff on January 13th or the NFC Title game on January 19th.
-Clint Domingue