The Mercedes-Benz Superdome $450M Facelift
New Orleans’ 44-year old Mercedes-Benz Superdome, which has hosted a total of seven Super Bowls, will be getting a much needed face-lift. The Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, also known as the Superdome Commission, has officially approved the $450M renovation to begin.
The $450M project will be financed by several different groups. The stadium district board will cover $210M, $150M will come from the Saints and the state share will consist of $90M.
Local New Orleans Trahan Architects, named top design firm in the country by Architect Magazine, the American Institute of Architects’ journal, will be the design firm for the project. In fact, the architect firm has been working on the project for over a year now, having created the renderings for the renovation.
Broadmoor LLC, a local New Orleans business, will be the contractor for the first phase which should be completed by 2021. The $100M first phase will be a sort of clean-house back end work on the dome. Trey Trahan,CEO of Trahan Architects, titles the phase as “the enabling phase” which will include adding alternative exits before the ramps are removed and building a large kitchen and food-service area.
Fans will start to notice the changes during the second phase of the project. The most noticeable new feature will be the three new vertical atriums at the northeast, northwest and southeast corners of the stadium.
“These will be beautiful vertical spaces with escalators that move diagonally. … People will arrive at these corners as opposed to the enclosed ramps on the sidelines that are in place now,” Trahan said.
The removed ramps will allow more open space which will bring a smoother concourse, food service and restroom experience.
“The client group mandate was to enhance the game-day experience for every seat in the house if possible. So, the concourse becomes more spacious; food service more efficient, clean and fresh,” Trahan said.
Another huge exciting feature will be end zone field boxes. This experience will allow fans to have a unique view of the game feeling like they are on the field. The boxes will be fastened under the general seats.
“We’re trying to create a diversity of experiences in the Dome, so that it is not just three opportunities – general, club and suite,” Trahan said.
Fans need not worry that this huge project will play havoc with the Saints season or any other major events.
“Once we remove the ramps, we’re going to have to remove and replace as we go,” Trahan said.
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