Just thirteen months after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the damaged Louisiana Superdome reopened as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome – to the delight of a beleaguered Gulf Coast region. Never in the history of U.S. stadiums has a facility been so heavily damaged and rebuilt so quickly. 5,000 tons of debris were removed, and the US National Football League’s New Orleans Saints regained their home.
The project included a new Champion Square, which gives the venue a connection to the streetscape of New Orleans. Several phases on operational and revenue driven enhancements were also carried out and everything from the fan arrival and experience, to sightlines were enhanced.
AECOM served as sports architect in association with Trahan Architects, Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects and Billes Architecture. One of the key factors in achieving such a quick turnaround, was that AECOM (through Ellerbe Becket) had a long-term relationship with SMG (the Superdome’s management company) and the Superdome Commission and had been working pre-Katrina on plans to enhance the building to keep it current with NFL stadium trends.
The result is a Superdome that is better than ever.
Partners
Trahan Arch/Sizeler Arch/Billes Arch | Broadmoor LLC: Construction