Louisiana, and New Orleans in particular, have earned bragging rights as a great place to host major events; there’s a reason the NFL keeps bringing the Super Bowl back to the old standby Superdome when there are so many shiny new stadiums around the league.
But the things that frustrate locals on a daily basis also tend to make a bad impression on visitors. With that in mind, state and city officials are using the run-up to the big game in February to catch up on some long-neglected upkeep.
Greater New Orleans, Inc. President Michael Hecht, recruited by Gov. Jeff Landry to quarterback the cleanup, recently unveiled an ambitious to-do list for the “summer of infrastructure.” It targets 67 road projects downtown and in areas where visitors will roam once they fly in; 75 lighting projects focused on the French Quarter and Interstate 10; 46 sidewalk repair projects; more than 40 drainage projects; the removal of encampments where unhoused people gather, paired with a goal to get the residents into housing; and new 5G cellular towers.
If those aims sound important but less-than-tantalizing, other projects are sure to pack a “wow” factor, from the beautification of unsightly downtown spots to prominent new murals by local artists to programmable lighting on the Crescent City Connection over the Mississippi River, which Hecht predicted will give the spans instant icon status.
All of these things, officials stress, are intended not just to impress visitors but to outlast them, and ultimately improve the quality of life for long-suffering residents.
That’s a goal we can fully support.
Much of the effort will come from Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration, as part of a $40 million plan that also includes temporary measures such as covering up part of the decrepit Plaza Tower near the Caesars Superdome.
But another positive aspect of the plan is that city and state officials are working hand in hand and not, as too often happens, at cross-purposes.
The newly revamped Louisiana Economic Development Department is planning to do some big-time recruiting of investors during the event, and to showcase Louisiana’s enviable trade location and energy infrastructure. We’re on board with that as well, even if we worry that some recently enacted state policies undermine our region’s appeal. Broken sidewalks and dark streets are definite turn-offs, but so are policies that undercut health care and stigmatize LGBTQ+ residents.
Still, there’s no question that big tourism events can be catalyzing. Forty years ago, the World’s Fair in New Orleans was a financial bust, but by spurring development of the convention center and Warehouse District, it became a long-term boon. The same, we hope, will happen once Super Bowl LIX is in the history books.
If the officials in charge can pull off their grand plan, Louisianans will win no matter which team takes home the Lombardi Trophy.