Although the New Orleans Saints have started out the season a little slow, fans are still flocking to cheer on their team. There are few stadiums in the NFL that are more festive than the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. There is music and tradition and amazing fans. Going to a game at the Superdome has a real Mardi Gras feeling and excitement. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome offers one of the most entertaining experiences in all of football. This is a must stop for all NFL fans!
Here is the comprehensive guide to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome:
Stadium Name: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Former Name: Louisiana Superdome
Nickname: Superdome
Playing Surface: UBU-Intensity Series-SF-M Synthetic Turf
Location: 1500 Sugar Bowl Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112.
Maximum Capacity: 73,208
Year Built: Ground was broken in 1971 and opened in 1975. In 2011, the Superdome went through an 85 million dollar renovation that has updated everything to compete with newer stadiums. Champions Square was also built and opened up in 2010.
Parking: This stadium has a combination of 9 lots and garages for a total of 7,000 vehicle spaces that are available for public parking. The lots are open approximately five hours before kickoff.
Disabled Parking: Disabled parking is available at all seven parking garages and at Auxiliary Lot 3
Parking Rates: Parking rates are varied from $9.00 to $40.00 and cash only.
Accessibility: The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is very accommodating for anyone with special needs. There is a designated drop off at Gate A, on the north side of the stadium, for anyone with a disabled parking or license plate. Inside, elevators 1, 2, 8 and 9 are available for disabled fans. Guide and service dogs are allowed. In case of an emergency evacuation, ushers are there to assist special needs patrons.
ALS: The Superdome offers an assistive listening system with complementary headphones that are available at Guest Services or the Security Control Office. An ID or credit card is required as a deposit. Otherwise, fans with their own headset can access the system. Most importantly, fans who pick up a single game ticket that require accessible seating can contact Katy Neville at the Saints front office at 504.731.1700 by phone or 504.731.1707 by fax or Katy.Neville@saints.nfl.com by email.
Tickets: The New Orleans Saints are soldout in 2012. Seats at the Mercedes-Benz include club and suite levels as well as seats in all price ranges are available through the ticket exchange. Pick a seat from this easy to use map.
What You Can Bring In: Small womens' purses, diaper bags and camera bags. Tasteful banners that do not block the view of other fans are allowed inside. Service dogs are allowed.
Banned Items: Backpacks are banned. Professional cameras are banned. Video or audio equipment is banned. Outside food or drinks are banned. Animals that are not service animals are banned. Banners that are not in good taste and/or that obstruct the view of the game are banned. Solicitation is not allowed.
Fight Song:
"When the Saints Go Marching In" is the official and beloved fight song of the New Orleans Saints.
Cheerleaders: The Saintsations are the New Orleans Saints cheerleading squad.
Mascots: Sir Saint, Gumbo
Champions Square: Big Screen televisions, music, beer and festive food. Enjoy corn dogs, burgers, pizza, Cajun jambalaya, pulled pork and snow cones and wash it down with some craft beer. Champions Square is the place to visit before-and after all games! This is where the party is started and where to celebrate after each game. Park at the Champions Square parking garage for convenience. This is a must for all visitors and is truly a blast.
Food: The food is fabulous at the Superdome. You can find your ballpark favorites along with some New Orleans specialties. For example, The Parish Grill offers wings, nachos, waffle fries and other traditional football fare. King's Table makes shrimp po' boys and a selection of wings called "Wings Around the World." Rotolos and Saint Jack's Barbeque are fabulous. The Terrace level has scrumptious stuffed burgers.
Beer: Over ten different drafts are available. There are several lounges to enjoy your drink and watch the game on the big screen.
Tailgating: Tailgating is not allowed on any Superdome property or parking facilities.
Insider Tips: Champions Square is a must! Show up early, wear your Saints gear and be ready to party New Orleans' style. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere so festive! This really made us feel welcome and excited about coming out to see a game here. Also, bring very little inside the stadium. Outside food and drink is forbidden.
Fun facts about the Dome: This is the largest dome in the world. The Superdome has hosted the Final Four and the Super Bowl. ... Muhammad Ali's last professional win was at the Superdome. ...Pope John Paul II spoke at the Superdome in 2007. ...The Superdome was host to the 1988 RNC.
Additional Information: Phone for the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is 504.587.3663 or 1.800.756.7974.
Georgia Makitalo is a lifelong NFL fan, having traveled to half of the NFL stadiums in the country, including the Superdome.
