Upgrades will be considered for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, as officials are moving forward with a master plan for the facility.
The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, the entity that owns the Superdome, has selected the architecture firm Gensler to craft a master plan. Nothing is set in stone in regards to what upgrades could take place, but both the New Orleans Saints and The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District have expressed some interest in renovating the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Upgrades have been completed at the venue in recent years, including a large-scale renovation that unfolded earlier in this decade and a project before last season that featured the installation of a new videoboard and other amenities. With the master plan process now moving forward, officials could consider a variety of options for the facility, though if any renovations are planned, it would take time for them to come to fruition. More from The Advocate:
The master plan will take six months to complete, and officials are open to any ideas — such as widening the concourses, improving the parking garages or finding a way to allow more natural light to enter the building — to improve the Superdome.
Saints President Dennis Lauscha said the goal is to put the stadium on the “cutting edge.” He also said that having the Saints and Pelicans under the same ownership allows for possibilities to improve the area around the two arenas.
After a menu of possible upgrades is compiled, the cost associated with each improvement will be explored, and funding — which carries wide ranges depending on what is selected — will be sought for the items chosen.
Any renovations would likely not start for a while.
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome will turn 50 in 2025, and has history that includes hosting the Saints and numerous large events, including seven Super Bowls. New Orleans is not on the NFL’s docket for Super Bowls scheduled between 2018 and 2022, but any future renovations to the Superdome could theoretically make it an appealing option for the league down the road.
Image courtesy Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
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