Caesars Superdome - New Orleans Saints

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29

Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112

New Orleans Saints website

Caesars Superdome website

Year Opened: 1975

Capacity: 74,295

---

Who Dat Nation at Home in the Dome

New Orleans is a city built on music, food, and centuries of culture, yet one building towers above them all – the golden crown of the Crescent City skyline. Since 1975, Caesars Superdome has stood as a global icon, hosting eight Super Bowls, five college football national championships, and six NCAA Final Fours.

Approaching New Orleans, its distinctive gold silhouette glimmers in the Louisiana sun, a shimmering landmark visible for miles. More than just a stadium, the Dome has etched its place in American sports and pop culture, welcoming millions of fans, athletes, and entertainers to moments that have defined generations.

From presidents to the Pope, from WrestleMania to The Rolling Stones, the Superdome’s stage has hosted the world’s most powerful figures and unforgettable performances. Michael Jordan and Tom Brady celebrated their first championships beneath its roof, while Muhammad Ali captured his final title in its ring. For a time, it was even home to ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich and the New Orleans Jazz, solidifying its legacy as a basketball cathedral. Now at 50 years old, Caesars Superdome stands as more than just a stadium – it is a symbol, a storyteller, and the beating heart of a city.

The Superdome stands as the largest fixed-dome structure in the world and a rare survivor of the 1970s and ‘80s dome-building boom. The building just celebrated its 50th birthday, and has aged gracefully over the years, even after withstanding the brutal test of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Katrina may have ultimately saved the Dome’s future; before the storm, there was talk of replacing it entirely, and the Saints temporary relocation to San Antonio and Baton Rouge seemed to spell the end of football under its massive roof.

But New Orleans’ bond with its team proved too strong to break – in the years since Katrina, the Superdome has undergone extensive renovations, transforming it into a world-class sports and entertainment venue that rivals any modern arena. Nearly two decades later, it stands not only as a testament to architectural resilience but as a symbol of a city and a resilient fanbase that refused to give up and let their football team leave.

Food and Beverage   4

When you are in a building the size of Caesars Superdome, you can expect a massive lineup of food and beverage options. After all, this is New Orleans, the culinary capital of the South, where food is as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Inside the Dome, there are over 200 concession points spread over six concourse levels, ensuring fans can find just about anything to eat or drink.

As of now, Legends Hospitality holds exclusive concession rights – every stand is either Legends-run or subcontracted.  Cash is also no longer accepted; everything is credit or debit only.

For the most authentic taste of Louisiana, the Crescent City Cuisine stand is always a fan favorite. Its menu highlights New Orleans classics, from alligator sausage and fresh Gulf shrimp to jambalaya and Ponchatoula strawberries. Another local favorite is Bayou Kitchen and Market, where you can find fried gator po’ boys and alligator jambalaya, or grab something from the custom nacho stand, which serves up seafood and Cajun-style creations.  The 504 Eats stand also features a few local items, where you’ll find menu items ranging from alligator sausage po’ boys, burnt ends nachos, and pulled pork nachos, to Ultimate Braised Beef and Chicken Tinga nachos, plus more.

Bayou Kitchen & Market is another go-to, offering fried shrimp plates, crawfish pie, redfish sandwiches, and alligator sausage po’ boys. Across various levels, you’ll also find Beau Coup BBQ with cochon de lait and brisket sandwiches, Little Caesars Pizza stands, Geaux Nuts, and classic stadium fare from King’s Table and Parish Grill. On top of that, the Provisions Markets scattered around the building allow you to shop like you're in a small grocery; grab deli items, sandwiches, or wood-fired pan pizza, and check out quickly. And with the $8 souvenir cup, you get free refills at drink stations all over the concourse levels.

Inside the Superdome, the Crown Royal Tchoupitoulas Bar on Concourse 114 stands out as a full-service bar, part of the Dome’s new 40-yard bar concept stretching across each sideline – it’s the place for premium spirits and cocktails, offering more than the standard beer and seltzers. Or for local flavor, Abita Bar highlights Louisiana’s own craft brews, with fan favorites like Amber, Purple Haze, and seasonal pours.

Beyond these marquee spots, beer, seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails are available at most concession stands, while fans can also grab a $7 souvenir cup with free refills throughout the concourse levels. Together, the Dome’s drink options mix big-stadium variety with New Orleans’ signature local flair.

Atmosphere   5

New Orleans is the ultimate party city, and Saints game days are no exception – the celebration starts long before kickoff. Outside the Dome, Champions Square comes alive as fans pour in, transforming the south side of the Dome into a sea of black and gold. Live jazz, zydeco, and swamp funk bands set the soundtrack, while costumed Saints devotees dance and revel in the pregame buzz.

The Square is lined with bars, pop-up shops, and food trucks serving local favorites, all framed by sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline and massive murals commemorating iconic moments in Saints history. Don’t miss Club XLVI, a premium indoor club now open to the public, where fans can soak in the atmosphere in style before heading into the Dome.

The first thing you’ll notice walking up to the Dome is just how massive the building is; resembling a UFO, there is no other building in the world like it. Its round, sloping walls rise like a gold spaceship, dwarfing streets, cars, and the crowds streaming toward it. From one angle, it looks like a spaceship, from another a giant mushroom cap, but always larger than you expect.

Caesars Superdome just completed a 5-year $500 million renovation, which was completed in 2024 to coincide with the Dome hosting Super Bowl LIX, the building’s record 8th time hosting the Super Bowl. The facility features eight entrances, with the primary entry point at Champions Square through Gate C, where fans step directly into the lively plaza on the 200 level.

In years past each entrance offered unique exhibits that celebrated Louisiana’s football culture: a Hurricane Katrina tribute at Gate A, the Saints Hall of Fame at Gate B, a Louisiana high school football helmet display at Gate E, and a Sugar Bowl showcase at Gate G. These exhibits were removed during recent renovations, but many fans hope to see them return in the future.

The Dome has also added new touches to enhance the fan experience, including a massive pro shop that opened in 2023 near Gate A on the north side. At Gate B, WWL 870 AM – the official radio home of the Saints – hosts its live pregame show, with former quarterback Bobby Hebert often at the mic, as well as franchise legend Deuce McAllister occasionally joining in, giving fans an up-close look at the pregame show.

For a venue that just turned 50 years old, Caesars Superdome feels remarkably modern. Its concourses are wide, bright, and meticulously maintained, offering an easy flow for the more than 70,000 fans who pass through its gates on game day. The Dome spans six levels, with public seating on the 100, 200, 500, and 600 levels, while the 300 and 400 levels house suites and premium clubs.

The new renovations dramatically transformed the concourse, adding sleek new bars, premium club seating, and the eye-catching 40-Yard Bar stretching across the east side plaza. A towering escalator now whisks fans from the 200 level up to the 600 level in under a minute, giving those heading to the upper deck a thrill before they even reach their seats. At the very top, a standing-room-only party deck in each end zone offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the action.

Inside the seating bowl, the scale of the Superdome is breathtaking. With 74,295 seats and 165 luxury suites spread across six levels, it remains one of the NFL’s most impressive venues. Three premium clubs anchor the ground level: Caesars Legacy Club on the east side, Crown Royal Signature Club on the west, and Mercedes-Benz End Zone Club in the north end zone, which features suites right on the field. Adding to the spectacle, two massive LED videoboards, installed in 2016, stretch 330 feet across each end zone, delivering crystal-clear replays and dynamic graphics to fans throughout the stadium.

Neighborhood   4

There’s truly no place in the world like New Orleans; while Bourbon Street and its year-round Mardi Gras beads might grab the headlines, the Crescent City’s heartbeat is far deeper than its party reputation. Visitors quickly discover a city steeped in history and alive with culture, where music spills into the streets, Creole and Cajun flavors tempt you at every corner, and attractions cater to all ages and interests.

Caesars Superdome sits tucked among the gleaming skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD), a neighborhood dominated by mostly high-rises and government buildings.  But there are a few attractions in the CBD worth checking out, for example, just a mile south, the acclaimed National World War II Museum offers the nation’s most extensive collection of WWII artifacts in the country – a must-see for any visitor to the city. Also nearby, Caesars Casino brings gaming to the heart of downtown, historic Saenger Theatre and Southern Contemporary Arts Center showcase the city’s artistic flair, and the iconic Roosevelt Hotel dazzles visitors each holiday season with a breathtaking holiday light display.

Compared to many major cities, New Orleans isn’t spread out; most major attractions are within just 5 to 8 miles of wherever you are. The legendary French Quarter, only a ten-minute walk from Caesars Superdome, is a must-see for any visitor. While Bourbon Street’s neon glow and rowdy nightlife often define the neighborhood’s reputation, the Quarter’s charm runs far deeper.

Stroll through historic Jackson Square, explore art galleries along Royal Street, browse the bustling French Market, and step into the breathtaking St. Louis Cathedral. Shoppers can also head to the three-story Riverwalk Marketplace or the upscale Shoppes at Canal Place, while Magazine Street offers a local, boutique-filled experience that stretches for miles.

In addition, a ride on the city’s iconic streetcars is the perfect way to explore. Head Uptown to admire the Garden District’s stately mansions and stop at Magazine Street’s bars and restaurants. For live music, Uptown boasts two iconic venues, Tipitina’s and Maple Leaf Bar, both institutions of the New Orleans sound. Or for an even more authentic music experience, make your way to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, where more than 50 music clubs and bars line the block. Here you’ll find a vibrant, less touristy alternative to Bourbon Street, with jazz, funk, and jam bands spilling out into the streets late into the night.

Dining in the French Quarter is also an adventure all its own.  There are too many restaurants to name, but Café du Monde is a must for powdered-sugar beignets, while Pat O’Brien’s is famous for its Hurricane cocktails. Personally, however, my favorite restaurants are the hole-in-the-wall spots, or simply grabbing a po’ boy from most gas station delis – the grungier and older the place looks, the better the food. But if you want a game day spot close to the Dome, Walk-On’s, a sports bar co-owned by Saints legend Drew Brees, is just a block from the Dome, and Dave & Buster’s across the street provides another lively hangout.

New Orleans also offers plenty for families. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sits along the Mississippi River at the Quarter’s edge, while Audubon Zoo is just a streetcar or riverboat ride away. The Garden District invites visitors to tour historic homes and maybe spot a film set or celebrity. Lastly, City Park, with its lush gardens, walking trails, and sculpture garden, is a perfect spot for a scenic day outdoors.

Whether you’re here for sports, culture, music, or food, New Orleans is a city that delivers a world-class experience in a small, walkable package.

Fans   5

Saints fans are widely regarded as one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL. A 2020 Forbes article ranked Who Dat Nation as the third most passionate fanbase in all of sports, and even more impressively, the Saints earned the highest overall score for game day experience in that same report. Part of what fuels this devotion is geography: the Saints are the only NFL franchise in the entire region, making them the team of choice for fans across the Gulf Coast. From Lake Charles to the Florida Panhandle and north to Jackson, Mississippi, and Montgomery, Alabama, the Saints’ footprint is massive; an incredible three out of four Louisiana residents proudly call themselves Saints fans.

Saints fans have endured more than their share of heartbreak over the years. From the infamous “Aints” era, when frustrated fans wore paper bags over their heads, to the darkest chapter in the city’s history, when 30,000 people sheltered inside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina, this fanbase has stood by its team through countless losing seasons and unimaginable adversity. Yet through it all, Who Dat Nation has remained unwaveringly loyal, packing the Dome to full capacity every single home game since 2006.

Inside Caesars Superdome, that loyalty transforms into pure electricity. When the Saints score, Mardi Gras tunes and “When the Saints Go Marching In” blast through the speakers as fans erupt into celebration. The Ying Yang Twins’ “Stand Up and Get Crunk!” – adopted as the team’s unofficial anthem after their Super Bowl victory – keeps the energy at a fever pitch, and the duo even performed live at halftime during the most recent game I attended.

After a Saints victory, the celebration doesn’t stop at the final whistle; it spills into the streets of New Orleans, where second-line parades and brass bands often lead impromptu marches through the city. Few franchises can boast a fanbase as deeply devoted as Who Dat Nation.

In addition, inside Caesars Superdome, every home game feels like Halloween, with fans decked out in elaborate costumes, dressed as iconic characters who have become part of the game day tradition. There’s Darth Saint, a black-and-gold–clad Darth Vader; Santa Saint; Elvis Saint; and Moses the Saint, complete with robes and staff. The Bless You Boys, three superfans dressed as popes and bishops, roam the stands, while the legendary Whistle Monsta – known for his oversized whistle hat and relentless shrill blasts – provides a soundtrack all his own.

Access   3

Getting to Caesars Superdome is easy, no matter where you are coming from, as the Dome is one of the first things you’ll see when you get into the city, no matter which direction you come from. Interstate 10 is the main way you come into town – if coming from the west, use exit 234A onto Clairborne Street, while if coming from the east, use the Canal Street exit at 235B. Navigating the one-way streets and aggressive drivers to get to the Dome once in the city may pose some issues; however, New Orleans isn't exactly known for its nice streets, as many of the streets are congested and need lots of upkeep.

There are several parking garages on site, but expect to pay around $50 to park if you want to park in the garage or at any of the public lots scattered around the Dome. There are tons of public lots and garages scattered throughout the Central Business District, though, with much cheaper parking than that closer to the Dome.

NOPD has upped patrols in this area due to recent crimes and snatch-and-grabs, so you should have no problem in the daylight hours, as there are tens of thousands of people walking in the streets; just make sure you lock your car. Also, when walking up Poydras Street to the Dome on gameday, expect to see multiple jazz bands playing on street corners, and people celebrating in the street like it is Mardi Gras.

Once inside the Superdome, you should have no problem getting around on the wide concourses, as the only backup occurs during halftime; I tested it out, and it only took 17 minutes for me to do a complete walkthrough from one side of the Caesars Superdome to the other.

Return on Investment   4

The Saints have been in rebuild mode since the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era ended a few years ago, which resulted in less-than-stellar gameplay on the field, as two new head coaches and multiple quarterbacks have rotated in and out. The good news is that even with dynamic flex ticket pricing, prices here remain fairly cheap and easy to come by compared to NFL standards, and the atmosphere inside and outside Caesars Superdome on game day is on par with some of the best in the NFL. Saints fans are very passionate, and Who Dat Nation will show up in full force regardless of whether the team is winning, though some fans may be wearing bags on their heads.

The Saints also do an excellent job at capturing the spirit and culture of New Orleans, from the brass and funk bands playing in Champions Square to the brass bands and second line parades that roam the concourse. Coming to a Saints game is something I highly recommend for people visiting New Orleans.

You can still find tickets on secondary sites, though; if the Saints are winning, expect to pay a decent price, between $50 and $70, to sit in the upper decks, while to sit in the 100 or 200 levels, expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars at least. During the most recent game I attended, the Saints weren't doing too hot, so you could find tickets in the upper deck for less than $20, which I consider a great return on investment. There are no other fans in the NFL like Saints fans, and the Superdome is one of the most iconic buildings in the NFL. Plus, you get to visit a city like no other in the world when you come to New Orleans.

Extras   5

One extra for the Superdome sitting next door to the Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA's Pelicans.  Though the Saints and Pelicans never play on the same day, there are instances where they play at home on the same weekend, so you may be able to catch an NBA and NFL game back-to-back.

Another extra for all the events and historic moments this iconic building has hosted over the last 48 years. The Dome just hosted its record 8th Super Bowl, and besides the aforementioned events, the Dome is also the home of the annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State and Southern.

It also hosts the Sugar Bowl and New Orleans Bowl every year, as well as the Louisiana high school football State Championships; the Caesars Superdome was also home to Tulane football until 2014, as well as home to two arena football teams and the NBA's New Orleans Jazz. It's hosted MLB and college baseball games, as well as hosted a minor league baseball team in 1977, and in 1976, soccer star Pelé played an exhibition match here, as the New York Cosmos took on the Dallas Tornados.

Multiple wrestling events have been held here as well, including WrestleMania 30 and 34, plus multiple WCW events. Caesars Superdome has also welcomed several big-time concerts over the years – basically any major music star from Garth Brooks to Taylor Swift has played under its roof.

Another extra for Champions Square and the tailgate area outside the Superdome – Champions Square captures the spirit and culture of New Orleans, and shows just how much the city supports the Saints. The backdrop for the square consists of large banners of signature moments in Saints and Superdome history, including banners of ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich (a folk hero in Louisiana), Drew Brees holding up the Saints Super Bowl trophy, Muhammad Ali knocking out Leon Spinks, and a banner of the late great Saints owner Tom Benson.

There is also a large statue of Tom Benson holding up the Vince Lombardi Trophy located in Champions Square, which makes for a great photo op. At Saints games, they also check your tickets at Champions Square, so you are free to walk in and out of the Superdome as many times as you want, as long as you stay on the grounds.

And of course, you can't talk about the Saints without mentioning the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the rebirth of the Saints after the storm. When coming to a game here, it's hard to imagine what this place looked like in the days after the storm – with a few people even dying inside the Superdome, it's hard to believe this place didn't get condemned.

Nevertheless, one of the most dramatic moments in sports history occurred here on September 25, 2006, the night of the Superdome's re-opening, when Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked a punt in the first quarter of a rivalry win against the Falcons. This would kickstart an improbable run for the team and the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era, culminating four years later in this team winning its first Super Bowl.

That symbolic moment of hope and resilience is captured in a bronze statue of Steve Gleason blocking that punt, located on the southeast side outside Caesars Superdome – the large statue is titled "Rebirth". Before Katrina, the Saints had only been to the playoffs five times in 38 years, with only one playoff win, but since Katrina, the Saints have been to the playoffs nine times.