De Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
  (Redirigido desde Louisiana Superdome )
Saltar a navegación Saltar a búsqueda

El Mercedes-Benz Superdome , a menudo denominado simplemente Superdome , es un estadio deportivo y de exhibición con cúpula ubicado en el Distrito Central de Negocios de Nueva Orleans , Luisiana , Estados Unidos . Principalmente sirve como sede para los New Orleans Saints de la National Football League (NFL), el estadio local para el Sugar Bowl , el New Orleans Bowl en el fútbol universitario y el juego de fútbol americano de rivalidad desde hace mucho tiempo de la Southern University y Grambling de la Conferencia SWAC. Universidad Estatal, conocido como el Bayou Classic (que se celebra anualmente, cada fin de semana de Acción de Gracias). También alberga la Batalla de Bandas de sus escuelas entre la Universidad del Sur "The Human Jukebox" y la Banda de Marcha Tigre de Grambling State.

Los planos fueron elaborados en 1967 por el estudio de arquitectura modernista de Nueva Orleans de Curtis y Davis y el edificio se inauguró como Louisiana Superdome en 1975. Su estructura de acero cubre una extensión de 13 acres (5.3 ha) y los 273 pies (83 m) La cúpula está hecha de un marco laminar de anillos múltiples y tiene un diámetro de 207 m (680 pies), lo que la convierte en la estructura abovedada fija más grande del mundo. [7] Es adyacente al Smoothie King Center .

Debido al tamaño del edificio y la ubicación en uno de los principales destinos turísticos de los Estados Unidos, el Superdomo alberga de manera rutinaria los principales eventos deportivos, incluido el Super Bowl , el Juego de campeonato de fútbol americano universitario y la Final Four de baloncesto universitario. El estadio también fue el hogar durante mucho tiempo del equipo de fútbol Tulane Green Wave de la Universidad de Tulane hasta 2014 (cuando regresaron al campus en el Yulman Stadium ) y fue la sede del New Orleans Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA) desde 1975 hasta 1979.

El Superdomo ganó la atención internacional de un tipo diferente en 2005 cuando albergó a miles de personas que buscaban refugio del huracán Katrina . El edificio sufrió grandes daños como resultado de la tormenta y estuvo cerrado durante muchos meses después. Finalmente, se decidió que el edificio sería completamente renovado y reabierto a tiempo para la inauguración en casa de los Saints en 2006 el 25 de septiembre.

El 3 de octubre de 2011, se anunció que el fabricante de automóviles alemán Mercedes-Benz compró los derechos de nombre del estadio. El nuevo nombre entró en vigor el 23 de octubre de 2011. [8] El 19 de mayo de 2020, se anunció que Mercedes-Benz no renovaría el acuerdo de derechos de denominación después de que expire el contrato actual en julio de 2021. [9]

Descripción [ editar ]

El Superdomo está ubicado en 70 acres (28 ha) de terreno, incluido el antiguo cementerio de Girod Street . La cúpula tiene un espacio interior de 125 millones de pies cúbicos (3.500.000 m 3 ), una altura de 253 pies (77,1 m), un diámetro de cúpula de 680 pies (207,3 m) y una superficie total de suelo de 269.000 pies cuadrados (24.991 m). 2 ).

Capacidad [ editar ]

El Superdome tiene una capacidad de asientos de fútbol listada de 76,468 (expandida) o 73,208 (no expandida) y una capacidad máxima de asientos de baloncesto de 73,432. Sin embargo, las cifras de asistencia publicadas de eventos como el partido de fútbol del Super Bowl han superado los 79.000. La capacidad de baloncesto no refleja la nueva política de la NCAA sobre la disposición de la cancha de baloncesto en la línea de 50 yardas en el campo de fútbol, ​​según la política de la NCAA de 2009. [10] En 2011, se agregaron 3.500 asientos, aumentando la capacidad del Superdomo a 76.468. La capacidad del Superdomo fue de 78133 para WWE WrestleMania 34 . [11] La capacidad real es de 73.208 personas.

La cronología de la capacidad para el fútbol es la siguiente:

Deportes [ editar ]

Fútbol [ editar ]

Panorámica de 69,719 asistentes [28] durante un juego de los Saints contra los Detroit Lions , 2009.

El inquilino principal del Superdome son los New Orleans Saints de la NFL . El equipo atrae regularmente multitudes de capacidad. [29]

La NFL ha sido sede de siete Super Bowls en el Superdome, más recientemente el Super Bowl XLVII en 2013. El Superdome está programado para albergar su octavo Super Bowl en 2025.

El Pro Bowl de 1976 se llevó a cabo en el Superdome el lunes 26 de enero de 1976. Fue el 26º juego anual de estrellas de la NFL. [30]

La Universidad de Tulane jugó sus partidos en casa en el estadio de 1975 a 2013 (excepto 2005) antes de mudarse al Yulman Stadium en el campus . [31]

El Juego de Campeonato Nacional BCS se jugó en el Superdome cuatro veces. El partido de semifinales de College Football Playoff se juega cada tres años en el estadio. También se juegan allí anualmente otros dos juegos de bolos: el Sugar Bowl y el New Orleans Bowl . El Superdome también alberga el Bayou Classic , un importante juego de temporada regular entre dos de los colegios y universidades históricamente negros del estado , Grambling State y Southern .

En 2013, el Arena Football League New Orleans VooDoo jugó sus últimos seis partidos en casa de la temporada en el estadio. De 1991 a 1992, la Noche de Nueva Orleans de la AFL se jugó en el estadio.

Los juegos de fútbol anuales del campeonato estatal Louisiana Prep Classic organizados por la Asociación Atlética de Escuelas Secundarias de Louisiana se han celebrado en el Superdome desde 1981, excepto en 2005 después del daño extremo del huracán Katrina y 2020 debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 . El primer juego de campeonato estatal en el estadio coincidió con los poderes de la Liga Católica de Nueva Orleans , St. Augustine y Jesuit el 15 de diciembre de 1978. Los Caballeros Púrpura ganaron su segundo título de Clase AAAA en cuatro temporadas al derrocar a los Azulejos, 13-7, frente a más de 42.000 aficionados.

Ventaja de campo local [ editar ]

Desde la reapertura del Superdome tras el huracán Katrina y el mayor éxito de los New Orleans Saints, el Superdome ha desarrollado una reputación de tener una ventaja de campo muy fuerte. Si bien todos los estadios abovedados poseen esta cualidad hasta cierto punto, se sabe que el Superdome es extremadamente ruidoso durante los juegos, especialmente durante los ataques ofensivos del equipo visitante.

Durante una entrevista previa al juego antes del juego inaugural de los Minnesota Vikings de la temporada 2010 de la NFL contra los Saints, Brett Favre , reflexionando sobre la derrota de los Vikings ante los Saints en el Juego de Campeonato de la NFC 2009-10, dijo sobre el Superdome: "Eso fue, con mucho, el entorno más hostil en el que he estado. No se podía oír nada ". Fue durante esa derrota que algunos de los jugadores de los Vikings eligieron usar tapones para los oídos, incluido Favre. Fue el primer juego de la temporada que eligieron hacerlo. [32]

Béisbol [ editar ]

Cuando los asientos a nivel de la plaza permanecían móviles, la capacidad para el béisbol era de 63,525 y el tamaño del campo era el siguiente: 325 pies (99 m) tanto al jardín izquierdo como al derecho, 365 pies (111 m) tanto al jardín izquierdo-central como al derecho. -campo central, 421 pies (128 m) hasta el jardín central y 60 pies (18 m) hasta el tope trasero. El tazón se reconfiguró en una renovación de 2006 a 2011, que reemplazó los asientos móviles con una plataforma de hormigón prefabricado y acercó los asientos al campo, creando 3.500 nuevos asientos en el tazón inferior. Esto hizo que el tazón fuera más adecuado para el fútbol, ​​pero menos adaptable para el béisbol. [33]

El primer juego de béisbol en el Superdome fue una exhibición entre los Mellizos de Minnesota y los Astros de Houston el 6 de abril de 1976. [34]

Los oficiales del Superdome continuaron las negociaciones con los oficiales de Oakland Athletics durante la temporada baja de béisbol de 1978–79 sobre el traslado de los Athletics al Superdome. Los Atléticos no pudieron romper su contrato de arrendamiento en el Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum y permanecieron en Oakland. [35] Los oficiales del Superdome se reunieron con los Piratas de Pittsburgh en abril de 1981 para trasladar el club a Nueva Orleans cuando los Piratas no estaban contentos con su contrato de arrendamiento en el Three Rivers Stadium . [36]

A mediados de la década de 1990, se planeó que el Superdome fuera el hogar del equipo de Nueva Orleans, aún por nombrar, una franquicia de la United League (UL), que era una tercera liga planeada de Major League Baseball (MLB).

Béisbol de ligas menores [ editar ]

La Asociación Estadounidense de Pelícanos de Nueva Orleans jugó en el Superdome durante la temporada de 1977. La asistencia a la temporada de los Pelicans fue de 217,957 en el domo. [37]

Exposiciones de Grandes Ligas [ editar ]

Los Mellizos de Minnesota y los Astros de Houston jugaron un juego de exhibición el 6 de abril de 1976. [34] Los Yankees de Nueva York jugaron juegos de exhibición en el Superdome en 1980, 1981, 1982 y 1983. Los Yankees recibieron a los Orioles de Baltimore el 15 de marzo y 16, 1980. 45,152 espectadores vieron a los Yankees vencer 9-3 a los Orioles el 15 de marzo de 1980. Al día siguiente, 43,339 fanáticos vieron a Floyd Rayford llevar a los Orioles a una victoria por 7-1 sobre los Yankees. [38] En 1981, los Yankees jugaron contra los Mets de Nueva York , los Filadelfia Philles y los Piratas de Pittsburgh en la cúpula. En 1982, elLos Yankees jugaron contra los Expos de Montreal y los Rangers de Texas y, a fines de 1982, los Yankees consideraron abrir la temporada regular de 1983 en el Superdome si el Yankee Stadium aún no estaba listo después de las renovaciones. [39] Los Yankees de Nueva York de 1983 también jugaron contra los Expos de Montreal y los Azulejos de Toronto en el Superdome ese año. [40] Los Filis de Filadelfia y los Cardenales de San Luis cerraron la temporada de entrenamiento de primavera de 1984 con dos juegos en el domo el 31 de marzo de 1984 y el 1 de abril de 1984. [41] En lo que fue una vista previa de la Serie Mundial de 1989 , elOakland a jugado el Gigantes de San Francisco en dos partidos los días 28-29 de marzo de 1989. [42] En 1991, el Dodgers de Los Ángeles jugaron el Oakland a dos juegos de los días 22-23 de marzo de 1991. El de A también jugó la Nueva York Mets en dos concursos del 26 al 27 de marzo de 1993. En 1994, los Medias Rojas de Boston se enfrentaron a los Yankees de Nueva York en dos partidos del 1 al 2 de abril de 1994. Los últimos partidos de béisbol profesional jugados en el Superdomo ocurrieron del 3 al 4 de abril. De 1999, cuando los Cachorros de Chicago y los Mellizos de Minnesota jugaron una serie de dos juegos denominada "Clásico de Béisbol de las Grandes Ligas de Nueva Orleans". [42]

Busch Challenge / Winn-Dixie Showdown [ editar ]

El Busch Challenge / Winn-Dixie Showdown fue un torneo de béisbol universitario celebrado en el Superdome de 1987 a 1999. LSU , Tulane y University of New Orleans jugaron contra un equipo del estado y otros equipos de Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Carolina del Norte, Oklahoma y Texas en el torneo anual. El equipo del estado era Louisiana-Lafayette . Los equipos de otros estados fueron Alabama , Arkansas , Auburn , Cal State Fullerton , Duke , Florida , Florida State , Georgia , Georgia Southern ,Georgia Tech , Houston , Lamar , Miami (FL) , del estado de Mississippi , el estado del NC , Carolina del Norte , Oklahoma , estado de Oklahoma , Ole Miss , Oral Roberts , el sur de Alabama , California del Sur , Sur de Mississippi , Texas A & M , UCLA . [43]

Baloncesto [ editar ]

La NCAA ha sido sede de la Final Four masculina en el Superdome cinco veces en 1982 , 1987 , 1993 , 2003 y 2012 . La Final Four masculina también está programada para celebrarse en el Superdome en 2022 . El estadio acogió semifinales y finales regionales en 1981 y 1990 , así como partidos de primera y segunda ronda en 1999 y 2001 .

El New Orleans Jazz de la NBA usó el Superdome como su cancha de local, de 1975 a 1979. En 1977 , el Jazz estableció un récord de asistencia para un juego de la NBA, con 35.077 espectadores del Jazz dirigido por Pete "Pistol Pete" Maravich contra el 76ers de Filadelfia , [44] liderados por el futuro compañero del Salón de la Fama Julius Erving .

Tulane usó el Superdome como su cancha principal desde su apertura en 1975 hasta 1982. Jugó partidos ocasionales allí en la década de 1990 contra oponentes de alto perfil antes de la apertura del New Orleans Arena (ahora el Smoothie King Center) en 1999.

In 1996, the stadium hosted the AAU Junior Olympics basketball competition.[45]

Boxing[edit]

On October 14, 1975, the Dome hosted Muhammad Ali Appreciation Day. The Muhammad Temple of Islam 46 in New Orleans organized the activities, with Ali's appearance as the day's highlight. Speakers included Dr. Na'im Akbar, Wallace D. Muhammad and Louis Farrakhan.[46]

The Superdome hosted the September 15, 1978 fight some called the Ali rematch where Muhammad Ali won the world Heavyweight title for the third time by beating Leon Spinks in front of a crowd of 65,000. It was Ali's last professional win.

Leonard–Durán II, also known as the No Más Fight, took place on November 25, 1980 at the Louisiana Superdome. In the match, Sugar Ray Leonard defeated Roberto Durán to regain the WBC Welterweight Championship. The match gained its famous appellation in the end of the eighth round when Durán turned away from Leonard, towards the referee and quit by saying "No más" (Spanish for "No more").

On December 3, 1982, the Superdome hosted the Carnival of Champions. In the first of two co-main events, Wilfredo Gómez would defend his WBC world Jr Featherweight championship against WBC's world Bantamweight champion Lupe Pintor. In the second, Wilfred Benítez defended his WBC world Jr Middleweight championship against the former WBA Welterweight champion of the world Thomas Hearns.[47]

Gymnastics[edit]

The USSR National Gymnastics Team performed for the first time in Louisiana in 1976. The Superdome event featured Olga Korbut, Nelli Kim, Nicolai Andrianov and Alexander Dityatin.

At the 1995 U.S. Gymnastics National Championships,[48] Dominique Moceanu became the youngest Women's All-Around National Champion in U.S. history at 13 years old, a record that still stands.[49] John Roethlisberger also won his fourth and final U.S. Men's All-Around National Championship.

In 1996, the stadium hosted the AAU Junior Olympics gymnastics competition.[50]

Motocross[edit]

The Superdome hosted an AMA Supercross Championship round from 1977 to 1980, 1998 to 2002, 2009 and 2012. On June 4, 1977, 40,000 fans watched Jimmy Weinert win the sixth of 12 races for a $250,000 purse. 20 million pounds (9,100,000 kg) of dirt were piled into the center of the Superdome for the event.[51]

Rugby Union[edit]

The Superdome was scheduled to host a rugby union match on August 1, 2015 between English Premiership team Saracens and New Zealand's Super Rugby team Crusaders.[52] The match was organized by RugbyLaw, organizers of the National Rugby Football League. The match was cancelled, however, as USA Rugby, the governing body of the sport in the United States, refused to approve the artificial turf playing surface.[53]

Soccer[edit]

The Superdome's first soccer matches occurred on September 5, 1976. In a doubleheader, two local club teams (Costa Rica and Olympia) squared off, followed by a post-season North American Soccer League matchup between the New York Cosmos and the Dallas Tornado. Pelé and Kyle Rote, Jr. led their respective teams, but it was Werner Roth and Ramon Mifflin who notched goals for New York in the Cosmos' 2-1 victory.

The US womens' national team met China in the Superdome on December 16, 2015 in what was both the final match of the USWNT's post-World Cup Victory Tour, as well as Abby Wambach's last game for the national team. China won, 1–0, in front of 32,950 fans: a record-setting attendance for a soccer match in Louisiana. On October 19, 2017, the USWNT played an international friendly against the Korea Republic, defeating them 3–1. Alex Morgan scored in the 40th minute for the United States, tallying her 78th career goal.[54]

International Soccer Matches[edit]

Professional wrestling[edit]

The Superdome was renowned for hosting many of Mid-South Wrestling's large, "Blow Off" events that were culminations of weeks or months of feuds and rivalries. Bill Watts was the promoter of this territory and gained much notoriety from promotion of his events in the Superdome.

April 19, 1986 saw Jim Crockett Promotions (in association with Bill Watts' UWF and All Japan Pro Wrestling) host the first of three annual Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup Tag Team Tournaments. 24 teams competed in a single day show with an afternoon 1st rounds and finals in the evening. The tournament final saw The Road Warriors prevail over Magnum T.A. and Ron Garvin. Besides tag team tournament the Superdome attendance of 13,000 saw NWA World Champion Ric Flair retain the title via disqualification from Dusty Rhodes and Mid-South North American Champion Hacksaw Jim Duggan beat Buzz Sawyer.

WCW held its sixth Clash of the Champions on April 2, 1989. The event saw Ricky Steamboat defeat Ric Flair in a two out of three falls match 2–1 to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Clash VI was held on the same day as WrestleMania V and on free TV in an attempt to hurt the PPV rating. WCW also held the January 13th, 1997 episode of WCW Nitro at the superdome.

WWE WrestleMania XXX[edit]

The 30th annual WrestleMania pay-per-view event, WrestleMania XXX, was held at the Superdome on April 6, 2014. This was the first time WWE held its annual event in New Orleans. At the event, The Undertaker's WrestleMania winning streak was ended by Brock Lesnar in front of 75,167 in attendance. Daniel Bryan won two matches. The first match was won against Triple H for a spot in the Triple Threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, which he went on to win later in the evening against Randy Orton and Batista. Also the WWE Divas Championship was defended for the very first time at WrestleMania with the champion AJ Lee retaining her title.[55]

A panorama shot of WrestleMania XXX (pre-show) within the Mercedes-Benz Superdome

WWE WrestleMania 34[edit]

The 34th annual WrestleMania pay-per-view event, WrestleMania 34, returned to the Superdome on April 8, 2018. At the event, Charlotte Flair defeated the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble winner Asuka, ending her 2-year undefeated streak as well as retaining the SmackDown Women's Championship, Brock Lesnar defeated Roman Reigns to retain the Universal Championship in the main event, also AJ Styles defeated the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura to retain the WWE Championship which was also promoted as the main event. In the event, former UFC star Ronda Rousey made her WWE debut in a mixed tag team match with her partner Kurt Angle to defeat Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. Daniel Bryan returned to in-ring action for the first time in nearly 3 years, when he teamed with Shane McMahon to defeat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. It also featured the return of The Undertaker since his previous loss at WrestleMania 33, who defeated John Cena in an impromptu match lasting under three minutes. The show took place in front of 78,133 people.

Tennis[edit]

The New Orleans Sun Belt Nets were a charter franchise of World TeamTennis (WTT). The Nets played in the Superdome during the 1978 season.

Wrestling[edit]

In 1996, the stadium hosted the AAU Junior Olympics wrestling competition.[56] In February 1997, the Dome hosted the Louisiana High School Athletic Association state wrestling championships.

Special events[edit]

The Superdome held its official dedication ceremonies on August 3, 1975. Jazz musicians Al Hirt and Pete Fountain played for the event.

Entertainment[edit]

Concerts[edit]

Between August 28 and September 14, 1975, the Superdome continued to celebrate its grand opening, with appearances by Bob Hope, Chayl Jhuren, Telly Savalas, Dorothy Lamour, Karen Valentine, and Raquel Welch. The Allman Brothers, The Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie, the Charlie Daniels band, the O'Jays, the Isley Brothers, the Temptations, Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds, and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus also performed.[57]

On October 3, 1975, June Carter, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter performed in the Dome. Fans included then Governor Edwin Edwards, wife Elaine, children Anna, Victoria, Steven and David, and Edwards' grandchildren.[58]

The Superdome's 1977 New Year's Eve celebration opened with The Emotions and Deniece Williams, followed by Earth, Wind and Fire.

On May 29, 1977, the First Annual Superdome KOOL Jazz Spectacular featured Aretha Franklin, Al Green, The Spinners and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. Jimmie "J.J." Walker from the TV series Good Times was the guest M.C.

The Superdome hosted Jimmy Buffett in 1976, Willie Nelson in 1977, the Commodores and Fats Domino in 1978, Kenny Rogers in 1979, Hank Williams Jr. 1981, and Lil Wayne in 2018.

Governor Edwin Edwards held his third inaugural ball at the Superdome on March 12, 1984. Headline acts included Doug Kershaw and Susan Anton.

Because of a booking mixup, the Jets performed a full set to an empty Superdome in the summer of 1987.[59]

The annual Essence Music Festival has been held in the Superdome every year since 1995 (with the exception of 2006, when it was held in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina repairs, and 2020 when it was cancelled).

Other events[edit]

  • The Seventh-day Adventist Church held its 54th General Conference session at the Superdome in June and July 1985.
  • Pope John Paul II addressed 80,000 children at the stadium in 1987.[44]
  • The Republican National Convention was held there in 1988, nominating then-Vice President George H. W. Bush for president and U.S. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as vice president.[44]
  • In June 1996, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney's 34th animated feature, had a gala world premiere at this stadium, with over 65,000 people attending the event.
  • From February 14 to 25, 2000, Wheel of Fortune aired two weeks worth of shows that were taped in the dome in January 2000.
  • In August 2001, the Bassmaster Classic XXXI final weigh-in was held in the stadium.
  • In 2020, the Finish Line of CBS's reality competition The Amazing Race 32 was held at the Superdome.[72]

In 2014 it also held the Wrestlemania event and again on the 2018.

Stadium history[edit]

Planning[edit]

Sports visionary David Dixon (who decades later founded the United States Football League) conceived of the Superdome while attempting to convince the NFL to award a franchise to New Orleans. After hosting several exhibition games at Tulane Stadium during typical New Orleans summer thunderstorms, Dixon was told by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle that the NFL would never expand into New Orleans without a domed stadium. Dixon then won the support of the governor of Louisiana, John McKeithen. When they toured the Astrodome in Houston, Texas in 1966, McKeithen was quoted as saying, "I want one of these, only bigger", in reference to the Astrodome itself. Bonds were passed for construction of the Superdome on November 8, 1966, seven days after commissioner Pete Rozelle awarded New Orleans the 25th professional football franchise. The stadium was conceptualized to be a multifunctional stadium for football, baseball and basketball—with moveable field level stands that would be arranged specifically for each sport and areas with dirt (for the bases and pitchers mound) covered with metal plates on the stadium floor (they were covered by the artificial turf during football games)—and there are also Meeting Rooms that could be rented for many different purposes. Dixon imagined the possibilities of staging simultaneous high school football games side by side and suggested that the synthetic surface be white.[73] Blount International of Montgomery, Alabama was chosen to build the stadium.[74]

As the dome was being constructed, various individuals developed eccentric models of the structure: one was of sugar, another consisted of pennies. The so-called "penny model" traveled to the Philadelphia Bicentennial '76 exhibition. New Orleanian Norman J. Kientz built the model with 2,697 pennies and donated it to the Superdome Board of Commissioners in April 1974.[75]

It was hoped the stadium would be ready in time for the 1972 NFL season, and the final cost of the facility would come in at $46 million. Instead, due to political delays,[76] construction did not start until August 11, 1971, and was not finished until August 1975, seven months after Super Bowl IX was scheduled to be played in the stadium. Since the stadium was not finished in time for the Super Bowl, the game had to be moved to Tulane Stadium, and was played in cold and rainy conditions. Factoring in inflation, construction delays, and the increase in transportation costs caused by the 1973 oil crisis, the final price tag of the stadium skyrocketed to $165 million. Along with the state police, Elward Thomas Brady, Jr., a state representative from Terrebonne Parish and a New Orleans native, conducted an investigation into possible financial irregularities, but the Superdome went forward despite the obstacles.[77]

Early history (1975–2003)[edit]

The New Orleans Saints opened the 1975 NFL season at the Superdome, losing 21–0 to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first regular-season game in the facility. Tulane Stadium, the original home of the Saints, was condemned for destruction on the day the Superdome opened.

The first Super Bowl played in the stadium was Super Bowl XII in January 1978, the first in prime time.

The original artificial turf playing surface in the Superdome was produced and developed by Monsanto (which made the first artificial playing surface for sports, AstroTurf) specifically for the Superdome, and was named "Mardi Grass".[2]

The exterior of the Superdome during the 2001 National Lutheran Youth Gathering

The Superdome replaced the first generation "Mardi Grass" surface to the next-generation FieldTurf surface midway through the 2003 football season on November 16.

Shelter of last resort during Hurricane Katrina[edit]

The Superdome was used as a "shelter of last resort" for those in New Orleans unable to evacuate from Hurricane Katrina when it struck on August 29, 2005. During the storm, a large section of the outer covering was peeled off by high winds. The photos of the damage, in which the concrete underneath was exposed, quickly became an iconic image of Hurricane Katrina. A few days later, the dome was closed until September 25, 2006.

By August 31, there had been three deaths in the Superdome: two elderly medical patients and a man who is believed to have committed suicide by jumping from the upper-level seats. There were also unconfirmed reports of rape, vandalism, violent assaults, crack dealing/drug abuse, and gang activity inside the Superdome. After a National Guardsman was attacked and shot in the dark by an assailant, the National Guard inside the Superdome used barbed wire barricades to separate themselves from the other people in the dome.[78] On September 11, New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass reported there were "no confirmed reports of any type of sexual assault."[79]

Military sniper Chris Kyle claimed that during the hurricane, he and another sniper climbed to the top of the dome and killed 30 armed looters during the chaos following the event. This has never been verified.[80]

Contractors repair the roof to prepare for the reopening of the Superdome. (July 10, 2006)

The Superdome cost $185 million to repair and refurbish. To repair the Superdome, FEMA put up $115 million,[81] the state spent $13 million, the Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District refinanced a bond package to secure $41 million and the NFL contributed $15 million.

After being damaged from the flooding disaster, a new Sportexe MomentumTurf surface was installed for the 2006 season.

On Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006, the NFL announced that the Saints would play their home opener on September 24, 2006 in the Superdome against the Atlanta Falcons. The game was later moved to September 25.

The reopening of the dome was celebrated with festivities including a free outdoor concert by the Goo Goo Dolls before fans were allowed in, a pre-game performance by U2 and Green Day performing a cover of the Skids' "The Saints Are Coming", and a coin toss conducted by then-President George W. Bush. In front of ESPN's largest-ever audience at that time, the Saints won the game 23–3 with 70,003 in attendance, and went on to a successful season, reaching their first ever NFC Championship Game.

The first bowl game played in the Superdome after Katrina was the New Orleans Bowl won by the Troy Trojans 41–17 over the Rice Owls.

2008–present[edit]

Further renovations[edit]

Construction workers replace the Superdome's 30 plus year-old siding
The inscription "Mercedes-Benz Superdome" went on to the sides of the stadium in late October 2011

In 2008, new windows were installed to bring natural light into the building. Later that year, the roof-facing of the Superdome was also remodeled, restoring the roof with a solid white hue. Between 2009 and 2010, the entire outer layer of the stadium, more than 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2) of aluminum siding, was replaced with new aluminum panels and insulation, returning the building to its original champagne bronze colored exterior. An innovative barrier system for drainage was also added, allowing the dome to resemble its original facade.

In addition, escalators were added to the outside of the club rooms. Each suite includes modernized rooms with raised ceilings, leather sofas, and flat-screen TVs, as well as glass brushed aluminum and wood-grain furnishings. A new $600,000 point-of-sale system was also installed, allowing fans to purchase concessions with credit cards throughout the stadium for the first time.

During the summer of 2010, the Superdome installed 111,831 square feet (10,389.4 m2) of the UBU Speed S5-M synthetic turf system, an Act Global brand. In 2017 Act Global installed a new turf in time for the NFL Season. For the 2018 , 2019 and 2020 NFL seasons Turf Nation Inc located in Dalton , GA have supplied the synthetic turf system for the Superdome, The Superdome has, as of 2017, the largest continuous synthetic turf system in the NFL.

Beginning in 2011, demolition and new construction began to the lower bowl of the stadium, reconfiguring it to increase seating by 3,500, widening the plaza concourse, building two bunker club lounges and adding additional concession stands. Crews tore down the temporary stairs that led from Champions Square to the Dome, and replaced them with permanent steps. Installation of express elevators that take coaches and media from the ground level of the stadium to the press box were also completed. New 7,500-square-foot (700 m2) bunker lounges on each side of the stadium were built. The lounges are equipped with flat-screen TVs, granite counter tops and full-service bars. These state-of-the-art lounges can serve 4,500 fans, whose old plaza seats were upgraded to premium tickets, giving those fans leather chairs with cup-holders. The plaza level was extended, closing in space between the concourse and plaza seating, adding new restrooms and concession areas. The renovations also ended the stadium's ability to convert to a baseball configuration.[82] The renovations were completed in late June 2011 in time for the Essence Music Festival.

Naming rights[edit]

The Superdome had not taken on corporate naming rights until Mercedes-Benz USA acquired the rights in 2011. Though the stadium is owned by the state of Louisiana, the New Orleans Saints' lease gives the team the authority to sell the rights.[83] Then-Saints owner Tom Benson also owned Mercedes-Benz dealerships in New Orleans and San Antonio.[8] At that time, it was the third stadium that had naming rights from Mercedes-Benz (and first in the United States), after the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the stadium of Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, in Stuttgart, Germany, and the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China.[citation needed]

Despite Mercedes-Benz acquiring the naming rights for the Atlanta Falcons' new stadium in 2015, the naming rights contract for the Superdome would remain in place until its expiration in 2021.[84] Atlanta's stadium opened in 2017 and became the fifth stadium (and second in the NFL) to bear the Mercedes-Benz name.[citation needed] On May 19, 2020, Mercedes-Benz announced that they would not renew their deal with the Superdome to focus on its Atlanta stadium naming rights deal, meaning that the Superdome will receive a new name or revert to its original name in 2021.[85]

Statue[edit]

On July 27, 2012, a statue was unveiled at a plaza next to the Superdome. The work, titled Rebirth, depicts one of the most famous plays in Saints history—Steve Gleason's block of a Michael Koenen punt that the Saints recovered for a touchdown early in the first quarter of the team's first post-Katrina game in the Superdome.[86]

Super Bowl XLVII power failure[edit]

The Superdome hosted the Super Bowl XLVII football game on February 3, 2013. A partial power failure halted game play for about 34 minutes in the third quarter between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. It caused CBS, who was broadcasting the game, to lose some of its cameras as well as voiceovers by the commentators. At no point did the game go off the air, though the game had no audio for about two minutes. While the lights were coming back on, CBS reporters deployed around the stadium reported on the outage as a breaking news situation until power was restored enough for play to continue.

On February 8, 2013, it was reported that a relay device intended to prevent an electrical overload had caused the failure.[87] The device was located in an electrical vault owned and operated by Entergy, the electrical utility for the New Orleans area. That vault is approximately one quarter mile away from the Superdome. A subsequent report from an independent auditor confirmed the relay device as the cause.[88] The Superdome's own power system was never compromised.

The Superdome was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.[89]

End zone scoreboards and new lighting[edit]

During the 2016 off-season, the smaller videoboards formerly located along the end zone walls above the upper seating bowl were replaced with two large Panasonic HD LED displays that stretch 330 feet (100 m) wide and 35 feet (11 m) tall that are much easier to see throughout the bowl.[90] Other upgrades included a complete upgrade to the Superdome's interior floodlighting system to an efficient LED system with programmable coloring, light show effects, and instant on-off; in normal mode the stadium will have a more vibrant and naturally pleasing system resembling natural daylight.[91][92]

Current renovations[edit]

In November 2019, phase one plans were approved by the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, commonly known as the Superdome Commission, for a $450 million renovation. The renovation, designed by Trahan Architects, will include atriums that will replace the current ramp system, improved concourses, and field-level end zone boxes.[93] The first phase of work began January 2020[94] and includes installing alternative exits and constructing a large kitchen and food-service area.

See also[edit]

  • Champions Square
  • Sports in New Orleans
  • Smoothie King Center
  • History of the New Orleans Saints
  • List of music venues
  • List of convention centers in the United States
  • List of soccer stadiums in the United States
  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Orleans Parish, Louisiana
  • List of tallest domes

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ "The Superdome – An Icon Transformed" (PDF). State of Louisiana. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 21, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Louisiana Superdome Articles". Football.ballparks.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d "Modern Steel Construction" (PDF). www.modernsteel.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 20, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  5. ^ "Mercedes-Benz Superdome". Football.ballparks.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  6. ^ "Louisiana Superdome". National Park Service. January 27, 2016.
  7. ^ "MERCEDES-BENZ SUPERDOME FACTS & FIGURES" (PDF).
  8. ^ a b Woodyard, Chris (October 4, 2011). "Mercedes-Benz buys naming rights to New Orleans' Superdome". USA Today. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  9. ^ Adelson, Jeff (May 19, 2020). "Mercedes-Benz declines to renew Superdome rights, opening door to new name next year". Nola.com. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  10. ^ "Basketball Resources". NCAA. January 2, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2013.
  11. ^ "WrestleMania XXX: Daniel Bryan wins WWE world heavyweight title". NOLA Media Group. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  12. ^ "Galleries". CNN. September 15, 1975. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  13. ^ "Falcons Fight Hate". The Albany Herald. September 2, 1979. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  14. ^ "Saints-Jets Game a Sellout". The Vindicator. Youngstown. November 19, 1983. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  15. ^ "Ranking the NFL Stadiums". The Miami News. August 12, 1987. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  16. ^ "Jackson Blocks Out Bitter Past-And Saints Swilling". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. December 17, 1990. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  17. ^ "Saints Stump Panthers". The Robesonian. November 28, 1995. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  18. ^ Brinster, Dick (December 2, 1996). "Broncos Wrap Up Home-Field Advantage". Argus-Press. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  19. ^ ESPN Sports Almanac. Boston: Information Please LLC. 1998. ISBN 0-7868-8296-4.
  20. ^ Williams, Charean (August 28, 1998). "Nfc In Order Of Predicted Finishes". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  21. ^ "Williams Primed for Debut". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. September 10, 1999. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  22. ^ Mihoces, Gary (November 16, 2000). "Saints Tested by Williams Loss Raiders, Rams Loom As Former 'Ain'ts' Seek 1st Playoff Win". USA Today. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  23. ^ "Roaf Listed As "Doubtful to Out" for Jets game". The Advocate. Baton Rouge. November 1, 2001. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  24. ^ "Saints' Season-Tix Offer Scores". SportsBusiness Daily. March 3, 2003. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  25. ^ "Morning Buzz, August 5, 2004". SportsBusiness Daily. August 5, 2004. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  26. ^ Smith, Jimmy (September 20, 2006). "Sellout of Season Tickets Shows Faith in N.O., Benson Says". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  27. ^ Heath, Thomas (September 1, 2005). "Obsolete Stadium Is Now Serving a Tragic Purpose". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  28. ^ "2010 Detroit lions: 2009 Season in Review" (PDF). Detroit Lions. p. 2. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  29. ^ "Saints sell out Superdome for sixth season in a row". NFL. May 22, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  30. ^ "1976 Pro Bowl game book" (PDF). NFL Game Statistics & Information. National Football League. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 30, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
  31. ^ Nunez, Tammy (December 8, 2011). "Tulane Plans to Build a 30,000-plus Seat On-Campus Football Stadium". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  32. ^ "Sports News, Scores and Highlights from Sports Illustrated – SI.com". www.fannation.com.
  33. ^ "Final phase of Superdome facelift is under way". January 22, 2011. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  34. ^ a b "Home in the Dome". Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved June 2, 2010.
  35. ^ United Press International (January 30, 1979). "Yankees, Twins Still Dickering". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
  36. ^ "Pirates Considering New Orleans Move". Ellensburg Daily Record. Associated Press. April 24, 1981. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
  37. ^ "History of New Orleans Baseball". Retrieved September 21, 2009.
  38. ^ "Big Crowds See Baseball at Superdome". Toledo Blade. Associated Press. March 17, 1980. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
  39. ^ "SPORTS PEOPLE; Yankees, Southern Style". The New York Times. October 15, 1982. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
  40. ^ "Yanks' Alexander Impressive in Win Over Jays". St. Petersburg Times. March 28, 1983. Retrieved June 19, 2009.
  41. ^ "Phillies Full of Questions for Opener". The Philadelphia Inquirer. April 2, 1984.
  42. ^ a b "Marlins' Upcoming Game In New Orleans Triggers a Look Back". thetenthinning.com. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  43. ^ "LSU Baseball Media Guide". lsusports.net. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
  44. ^ a b c "Timeline". Louisiana Superdome. Archived from the original on November 1, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  45. ^ "Basketball" (PDF). aauresults.org. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  46. ^ Louisiana Superdome Newsletter IV:11 (November 15, 1975). Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University Libraries.
  47. ^ BoxRec Boxing Records. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-29.
  48. ^ "Gymnastics Results" (PDF). USA Gymnastics. September 1995. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  49. ^ "Dominique Moceanu" (PDF). USA Gymnastics. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  50. ^ "Gymnastics" (PDF). aauresults.org. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  51. ^ "Superdome Supercross is Super." Louisiana Superdome Newsletter 6:7 (July 1977).Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University Libraries.
  52. ^ "Saracens, Crusaders To Play In New Orleans", This Is American Rugby, May 19, 2015.
  53. ^ "Hemispheres Cup". Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  54. ^ "WNT Downs Korea Republic 3-1 in New Orleans". U.S. Soccer. October 19, 2017. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  55. ^ "WrestleMania 30".
  56. ^ "Wrestling" (PDF). aauresults.org. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  57. ^ "Thousands View Dome Dedication." Louisiana Superdome Newsletter IV:8 (15 August 1975). Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University Libraries.
  58. ^ Louisiana Superdome Newsletter IV:10 (October 15, 1975). Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University Libraries.
  59. ^ Kasem, Casey (February 27, 1988). American Top 40 (Radio broadcast). United States: Premiere Networks.
  60. ^ "The Mercedes-Benz Superdome – Home". Superdome.com. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  61. ^ Bianculli, David (November 30, 2000). "TV TONIGHT". New York Daily News. Retrieved January 21, 2010.[dead link]
  62. ^ "'N Sync: PopOdyssey Live". Amazon. ASIN B00005RG69.
  63. ^ "*NSYNC: Popodyssey Live". Barnes & Noble. All Media Guide, LLC. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  64. ^ "Coca-Cola Presents the 2005 Essence Music Festival" (Press release). New York City: PR Newswire. April 4, 2005. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  65. ^ Home > Live Performances & Tours > 2007 – Kelly Rowland Web Archived 2015-02-08 at the Wayback Machine
  66. ^ Kelly Rowland performs at the Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola on July 7, 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana. VH1 Soul was a proud sponsor of the 2007 ESSENCE Music F...
  67. ^ "Alicia Keys Joins Mary J. Blige As Headliner Of 2010 Essence Festival". Billboard.
  68. ^ "Beyonce Makes Her Triumphant Return to the Superdome!". PR Newswire. February 11, 2013. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  69. ^
    • Canada, Danielle (July 8, 2013). "Beyoncé closes out the Essence Music Festival". rollingout.com. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
    • "Beyoncé smashes Essence Festival attendance record". ATLnightspots.com. July 8, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  70. ^ "Beyoncé gets introduction from Big Freedia in New Orleans for Formation World Tour". NOLA.com. September 25, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  71. ^ MacCash, Doug (June 12, 2017). "U2 blazes into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sept. 14". NOLA.com. Advance Publications. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  72. ^ Eng, Joyce (September 28, 2020). "Everything to know about 'The Amazing Race 32'". Gold Derby. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  73. ^ "Louisiana Plans Functional Stadium". The New York Times. June 11, 1967. p. 215.
  74. ^ "Air University: Eagle Biography: Winton M. "Red" Blount". Au.af.mil. Retrieved December 14, 2011.
  75. ^ Louisiana Superdome Newsletter 5:7 (August 1976) and III:4 (April 15, 1974).
  76. ^ "N.O. Superdome wins approval". Pittsburgh Press. UPI. March 5, 1971. p. 32.
  77. ^ "Robert Morris, "Local businessman, former legislator dies", April 8, 2007". houmatoday.com. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  78. ^ Scott, Nate (August 24, 2015). "Refuge of last resort: Five days inside the Superdome for Hurricane Katrina". USA Today. Retrieved June 4, 2018.[verification needed]
  79. ^ Younge, Gary (September 5, 2005). "Murder and rape - fact or fiction?". The Guardian. London. Retrieved June 4, 2018.[verification needed]
  80. ^ Blake Stillwell "Everything You need know about life and death chris kyle" Military.com https://www.military.com/military-life/everything-you-need-know-about-life-and-death-chris-kyle.html
  81. ^ "Superdome returns with glitz, glamor and Monday night football". CBS Sports. September 20, 2006. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  82. ^ "Superdome gets makeover with big games ahead". CBS.
  83. ^ "Mercedes-Benz has Superdome deal". ESPN. Associated Press. October 4, 2011. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
  84. ^ Woodbery, Evan (August 28, 2015). "Saints president on Mercedes-Benz relationship: 'We're very happy, they're very happy'". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  85. ^ Dodson, Christopher (May 19, 2020). "Anticipating new sponsor for the Superdome, New Orleans Saints expect the same successful experience". Forbes.
  86. ^ "Steve Gleason statue unveiled". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 28, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  87. ^ "Super Vowl XLVII: Device setting caused SB outage". ESPN. Associated Press. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
  88. ^ Thompson, Richard. "Reporter". NOLA Media Group. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
  89. ^ "Weekly listing of actions 1/25/16 through 1/29/16". National Park Service. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  90. ^ Duncan, Jeff (May 27, 2016). "Massive new video boards in Superdome almost ready to shine". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  91. ^ Trahan, Sabrina (24 August 2016). "Saints unveil new high-definition end zone boards, other Superdome renovations". SportsNOLA.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  92. ^ Ames, Don (August 26, 2016). "Superdome About To Put On A Show With New Attractions". WWL Radio. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  93. ^ McAuley, Anthony (November 14, 2019). "$450M Superdome renovation renderings unveiled after construction plans approved". The Advocate Nola.com. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  94. ^ Adelson, Jeff (January 14, 2020). "National championship was likely the last time you walked some of those Superdome ramps". The Advocate Nola.com. Retrieved February 11, 2020.

External links[edit]

  • Official Mercedes-Benz Superdome website
  • Mercedes-Benz Superdome at StadiumDB.com
  • The Times-Picayune in 175 years – 1975: The Superdome opens in New Orleans
  • Stadium picture
  • Louisiana Superdome at Structurae
  • Tulane Green Wave – Louisiana Superdome
  • Southeastern Architectural Archive, Special Collections Division, Tulane University Libraries
  • Mercedes-Benz Superdome Seating Charts