By James B. Ewers, Ed.D., Senior Columnist
The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest sporting event in America and, some say, in the world. Its buildup happens all year long.
This is because sports commentators always talk about football at all levels. For example, National Signing Day for high school players was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Of course, the transfer portal and NIL agreements are discussed without ceasing by all members of the football world.
At the end of last year’s Super Bowl, television announcers began discussing the 2025 Super Bowl. A Louisiana committee attended the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas, where they received the mantle and official go-ahead for Super Bowl LIX.
The city of New Orleans has been planning for the Super Bowl since the announcement was made that it would be the host. This was the 11th time that the city has hosted this premier event.
If you live here like I do, you get to see first-hand that New Orleans does a lot of hosting. Its hospitality is second to none. One New Orleans official said the city was built to host the Super Bowl. The NFL has affirmed that statement.
Think about it: New Orleans hosts Mardi Gras, the Essence Festival, the Jazz Festival, and the Bayou Classic. That is just a small sampling. A festival or convention always brings people from all over the world to the Crescent City.
The city focused on providing visitors with a superb Super Bowl experience, rolling out carpets of goodwill and good cheer. New Orleans is a friendly and welcoming city; the smiles and high-fives are authentic.
Whether you were a Philadelphia Eagles fan or a Kansas City Chiefs fan, fun and fellowship were abundant during this special week.
As we drove with a great view of the Super Dome, I said, “This place is going to be rocking and rolling in the coming days.” I was right.
When the Super Bowl schedule was released, my wife and I attended a few events. Our excitement was piqued as Super Bowl LIX week was just a few days away.
Our first event was the Super Bowl opening night, held at the Super Dome. We arrived two hours before the start of the evening’s activities. It was amazing to enter the Dome for this historic occasion. I never thought I would have this opportunity.
Players and coaches were interviewed, and pictures were taken. The famous St. Augustine High School March Band performed to the delight of the fans. Cheerleaders cheering and fans being fans made the atmosphere electric.
We came home pleasantly exhausted and looked forward to our next outing. We also had tickets for the NFL Fan Experience at the Ernest Morial Convention Center on Thursday night. We had the chance to take pictures with the Super Bowl Trophy and see past Super Bowl championship rings.
The Grambling State University Marching Band also gave a wonderful performance for the fans. The National Football League also recognized the contributions of players, coaches, and employees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
An HBCU exhibit featured football helmets from all the HBCUs. I was able to take a picture of the Johnson C. Smith University helmet, as that is my alma mater.
Wilson Sporting Goods showed the crowd how to make a football. Reggie Bush, a former Heisman Trophy winner, participated in the demonstration. Saturday was the Super Bowl parade, and it was wonderful. Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, was the parade king. It was a fitting celebration. One fan said, “There is no city in the world like New Orleans.”
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.
Great overview.