Caesars Superdome
Home of the Saints since 1975.
Plans for the stadium were drawn up in 1967 by the New Orleans firm Curtis and Davis, with bonds passed on November 8, 1966. Construction began August 11, 1971, and the building opened as the Louisiana Superdome in 1975. It has served as the home venue of the New Orleans Saints since its opening.
- Opened
- 1975
- Location
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Super Bowls Hosted
- 8
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The stadium was conceived by David Dixon to secure an NFL franchise for New Orleans after Commissioner Pete Rozelle stated expansion required a domed structure. It replaced Tulane Stadium, which was condemned on the day the Superdome opened. The facility has hosted eight Super Bowls and six NCAA men's college basketball championships. In 2005, it housed thousands of people seeking shelter from Hurricane Katrina before reopening for the Saints' 2006 home opener.
In Their Own Story
The New Orleans Saints moved into the Superdome in 1975; their first regular-season game on September 28 was a 21–0 shutout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In August 2005, high winds peeled off a large section of the outer covering during Hurricane Katrina. The building suffered extensive damage and remained closed until September 25, 2006. That day, the Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons 23–3 in front of 70,003 fans.
Reader's Guide
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Superdome covers a 13-acre expanse with a steel frame and a 273-foot high dome. It traditionally hosts the Bayou Classic between Southern University and Grambling State University and has been the home of the Sugar Bowl since 1975. The venue was also home to the New Orleans Jazz (NBA) from 1975 until 1979 and Tulane Green Wave football until 2014.
Did You Know?
- The Superdome is the largest fixed domed structure in the world with a diameter of 680 feet.
- A model made of 2,697 pennies was built by Norman J. Kientz and donated to the Superdome Board of Commissioners in April 1974.
- The original artificial turf surface produced by Monsanto was named 'Mardi Grass'.
- Hurricane Katrina caused three confirmed deaths inside the stadium: two elderly medical patients and a man who jumped from the upper-level seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the stadium open?
The venue first opened its doors to fans in 1975 under the original name Louisiana Superdome. It has served as the primary home field for the New Orleans Saints since that inaugural season.
How many Super Bowls have been hosted there?
This historic facility has hosted a total of eight Super Bowl games throughout its history. Its central location and large capacity make it a frequent choice for major championship events.
Who designed the stadium?
Plans for the structure were originally drawn up in 1967 by the local New Orleans firm Curtis and Davis. Construction officially began on August 11, 1971, following bond passage the previous year.
Why is it called Caesars Superdome now?
Although originally named the Louisiana Superdome upon its 1975 opening, corporate sponsorship deals have updated the official title over time. The building remains the same iconic structure that has housed the Saints for decades.
Where is the stadium located?
The facility is situated in New Orleans, Louisiana, serving as a central hub for sports and entertainment in the city. It stands as a landmark venue within the local community since construction started in 1971.