Leading up to the team's preseason home opener on Aug. 25, the New Orleans Saints will be unveiling the final updates of the Caesars Superdome's dynamic $560 million transformation, strategically aimed at enhancing the facility's fan experience. The team has proudly committed nearly $180 million toward the $560 million project. The collaborative project funded by the New Orleans Saints, Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District (LSED), and the State of Louisiana has progressed over a five-year period through the work of a team of architects, contractors, designers and construction workers operating around the clock in order to reach its completion by the start of the 2024 Saints season. Saints season ticketholders and their guests will be the first to experience the remarkable evolution of the facility prior to the building hosting the National Football League's showcase event, Super Bowl LIX, on Feb., 9, 2025, the year which will also be the 50th anniversary of the stadium.
The purpose of the Caesars Superdome transformation project is to preserve the character of the building's iconic exterior, while elevating its overall functionality and the gameday experience for all guests. These modernizations bring the facility in line with stadiums being built and renovated across the world, thus keeping the storied home of the Saints and the city of New Orleans as ideal hosts for the upcoming and future Super Bowls, as well as numerous national and international events for decades to come. Equally as important, the Caesars Superdome will continue to serve as a source of great civic pride while providing a significant economic impact for the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.
Atriums at the Caesars Superdome
At the start of the 2024 Saints season, fans that enter the stadium at Gates B (Caesars Gate), D (Entergy Gate) and H (two on the stadium's east side and one on the west side) will immediately see large atriums opened up, which will allow fans to see all the way up to the upper concourse from the plaza level. The new plaza levels also feature more open air and the entry of outside lighting that will filter its way down into the main concourse, creating an impactful, noticeable and enjoyable difference for fans as they enter and walk throughout the facility.
The removal of the Caesars Superdome's ramp system, which existed since the building opened in 1975, created the space for the three atriums and allows for an interior footprint that provides expanded entry areas, wider concourses that are nearly doubled in width in many areas and more transit options, backed by a system of escalators, elevators and stairs, while allowing additional space for concessions and retail.
"Two of our atriums made their debut at the Caesars Superdome for the 2023 Saints season to enthusiastic reaction from our fans and we are excited to debut the third one at Gate D in 2024," Saints President Dennis Lauscha said. "Guests that enter at the atriums are greeted by attractive open spaces featuring quick and efficient vertical transportation to their seats and significantly upgraded food and beverage and merchandise options."
Wide-open atrium spaces
Saints fans were treated to the debut of two new atrium spaces in 2023 when entering Caesars Gate B and Gate H, with a third atrium in the stadium's Southeast Quad at Entergy Gate D making its debut in 2024. Upon entry, fans now will enter at massive lobbies with extensive concession options that can also serve as a meeting spot before and during the game. A full-service Saints Pro Shop is available for fans to purchase merchandise inside the Gate H atrium on the Plaza Level.
Effective vertical transportation
Guests entering the three atriums at the Caesars Superdome are now welcomed by an escalator system that can carry them from the 100 Plaza Level up to the 650 Entergy Terrace Level, with the express design of getting them in their seats as soon as possible, while providing access to new amenities. The full travel path from the 100 level for fans needing to access the 650 level near the top of the building will require only three escalators. With fans entering the atriums at the 100 level, a quick escalator ride awaits to the 200 level where additional food and beverage options are available. For fans whose seats are situated above these levels, a 120-foot escalator will transport them to the 500 level, followed by an escalator to bring guests to the 650 level.
Attractive Views
A champagne gold color tubing creates massive custom-made panels inside the atriums of what are known as the "atrium skins," curved geometrically and vertically narrow from the 200 level to the top of the escalators on the 500 Entergy Terrace level. The color of the panels are intended to mimic the timeless exterior of the Caesars Superdome. The atriums in the Caesars Legends Club and West Sideline Club, as well as three atrium entrance lobbies, will have a uniquely designed piece of fabric and special LED lighting that will give the appearance of a skylight, with changeable colors for different events in the building throughout the year.
