2013 Super Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome

New Orleans will host Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The city has widely regarded the opportunity to host the big game as a chance to prove that it has completely put the devastation of Hurricane Katrina–and even the difficulties of the more recent BP oil spill–behind it.

New Orleans has hosted the Super Bowl nine times already, but 2013 will mark the Bowl's first time in the newly renamed Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The old Tulane Stadium hosted three championship games before the construction of the Superdome.

A History of the Super Bowl in New Orleans

Mercedes-Benz Superdome Renovations

Before the start of the 2011 season, the Superdome underwent an $85 million renovation, resulting in a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility. The renovation brought the total amount of money spent on the Superdome since 2006 up to $336 million. Some key upgrades included expansion of the plaza-level concourse, additional concession stands and restrooms, 3,100 new seats and improved sidelines, two premium ground-level bunker clubs, three additional elevators, and expansion of the plaza gates. Champion’s Square is also currently undergoing its second phase of renovations. It will be transformed into a pedestrian mall, decorated with beautiful brick pavers, trees, benches, and a large grand staircase that will lead into the main entrance of the Superdome.

Following the renovations, Governor Jindal announced a 10-year agreement with automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz to rename the Superdome to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

New Orleans Loves Sports

Though the city is widely known for Mardi Gras, New Orleans regularly hosts major sporting events, such as the Sugar Bowl and the Bayou Classic. Over the course of 2012 and 2013, the Superdome will also host college football’s BCS Championship Game, the NCAA Men’s Final Four and Super Bowl XLVII.

Each of these sporting events brings a major influx of fans and tourist dollars to the city.