Super Bowl 59 will be hosted in New Orleans for the 11th time this Sunday. However, due to fears of terrorism following the attack on Bourbon Street, the event is designated as a Special Event Assessment Rating 1 protection by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

The Super Bowl security team will be taking heightened precautions in order to avoid instances of violence and disorder. Risks include “chemical agents as well as potential vehicle ramming attacks, insider threats along with terrorism…certainly civil unrest and protesting,” said James DeMeo, professor of emergency and security studies and risk management expert.  

Federal and state authorities, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security and the FBI are working in tandem to optimize event protections. Technological methods of maintaining safety include crowd-control drones, closed-circuit television, hand wanding and social media monitoring.  

Tulane University’s campus lies about 10 minutes from Caesars Superdome, and many students frequent celebratory communities such as the French Quarter. Being near the game and its festivities, DeMeo recommends that if you “see something, say something.”  

The risk of crime is always high in New Orleans, being the sixth most dangerous city in the U.S. from 2024-2025. These statistics did not prevent the NFL from designating it as the host city for the Super Bowl.  

Spectators can amplify safety by viewing the code of conduct outlined by Caesars Superdome. According to DeMeo, their goal is to make getting into the venue as seamless as possible.  

The DHS also plans to implement its Blue Campaign, which is a Super Bowl security effort to prevent human trafficking by means of frontline observation.     

The campaign also includes the Blue Lightning Initiative, which focuses on travel safety. The Nevada Transportation Security Administration at the Harry Reid International Airport reached a record number of screenings following last year’s Super Bowl.  

DeMeo acknowledges that many are apprehensive about attending the Super Bowl due to the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans. However, he said that “all the key stakeholders from the federal, state and local levels will be working in unison to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.” 

Economic activity significantly increases in the hosting city of the Super Bowl, which can be expected to positively influence revenue for New Orleans’ small business. The Caesars Superdome has the capacity to seat 73,000 spectators, which is directly correlated with a large influx of tourists. 

New Orleans’ expansive small business network differentiates it from other metropolitan areas.  

“Our businesses are unique because our people and our culture are so unique…We’re really good at welcoming people and being hospitable,” Tulane University Freeman School of Business professor Rob Lalka said.  

The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation serves as the host committee for the Super Bowl. The GNOSF has completed initiatives including the improvement of New Orleans roads and the implementation of murals in preparation for increased tourism. 

In-person Super Bowl spectators will have a unique experience in the absence of big-business ads, their attention attracted to local businesses instead. Last year over 200 million people watched the Super Bowl via television and over 61,000 watched in the stadium. 

“I think that there’s two experiences of the Super Bowl,” Lalka said. “There’s one of watching on TV, where the Super Bowl ads are for large corporations … But for us, we have a chance to show up in a really beautiful way with our local culture.” 

GNOSF is legally responsible to ensure the availability of transportation and manners of housing for the increase in visitors.  

“It is a massive case study in contract grafting [and] contract negotiations, just to ensure that all of the needs of all the visitors are taken care of and that there are no surprises,” Gabriel Feldman, Tulane Sports Law Program director, said.  

The Super Bowl will launch a season of festivities in New Orleans with events such as Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and French Quarter Festival.  

“These businesses are ramping up for the Super Bowl weekend but…there’s a lot else still to come,” Lalka said.