Louisiana Superdome

Frank Rabito

ENGL 2000-18

The Louisiana Superdome represents Louisiana in a number of different ways. The dome is located in the Central Business District in New Orleans. It was once the largest fixed dome structure in the world. The Dome has the capacity to hold 72,003 people; it opened in 1975. The stadium has a white domed roof which is signature to the dome. The stadium has seen its share of good times and bad times. The stadium has hosted six Superbowls, more than any other stadium in America. The dome has also hosted NCAA basketball tournaments, college football bowl games, concerts, and numerous other sporting events. The Superdome is home to the NFL franchise New Orleans Saints.

In 2005, the Superdome served as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina where it gained international attention. After the hurricane passed, the stadium was surrounded by flood waters with helpless citizens trapped inside with no power. It was a very trying and emotional time for all of those trapped inside. After the aftermath of the storm, the Superdome was renovated. It cost $193 million to refurbish. The Saints played the 2006 season in the dome. One of the most memorable moments in franchise and New Orleans history came when the dome reopened on September 25, 2005 and the Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons 23-3 on Monday Night Football. The emotions of the crowd during the game made it so special. The stadium has a certain memorial room inside that is dedicated to the events that happened during Hurricane Katrina.

The LSU football team won two National Championships in the Superdome in 2003 and 2007. Parades of people made the short walk to Bourbon Street to party after LSU won the championships. There is not another venue in Louisiana besides the Superdome that unites its citizens the way that the Dome does. There is truly a certain “electricity” that can be felt when the Superdome is sold out for an entertainment event. Lights illuminate the side of the dome when a big event is taking place that night. The dome is so special to Louisiana because it has such a rich and important history behind it. If you are from New Orleans or have visited the city, there is a good chance that you have been inside the Superdome. There is no other stadium in America where fans can get jambalaya, po-boys, and other famous New Orleans dishes during a sporting event.

The Superdome really is a true symbol to Louisiana. The history of the stadium is special. There have been numerous famous celebrities and political figures that have made appearances at the dome. Anyone who has visited New Orleans is sure to notice the unique looking stadium. Although the stadium has seen many years of losing Saints football, things are beginning to look up as the team is getting better and the fans are getting louder. The dome will continue to be a vital part of New Orleans and Louisiana for a time to come. The 2013 Superbowl has already been scheduled to take place in the Louisiana Superdome. This shows that the stadium will continue to add to its illustrious history.