Essential Travel Tips for Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans: Your Complete Guide

December 3, 2024

While baseball once held the title of America’s pastime, football has become the sport of choice for millions of fans today. With high-flying passes, heavy hits, dazzling personalities, and unlikely wins, the NFL provides millions of fans with the best sporting experience. In this football-centric world, no event causes as much buzz as the Super Bowl and 2025 will be no different for fans this year.

Though the teams competing this year are far from decided (The Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs are potential favorites), New Orleans has been announced as the location. NOLA is the perfect place for Super Bowl LIX, thanks to the fantastic amenities at Caesars Superdome and the city’s beautiful culture and history.

If you’re planning on a Super Bowl trip to New Orleans this year, it’s essential to consider a few travel tips to ensure you can come to Louisiana and leave as smoothly as possible. The Parking Spot has some of the best tips online today and can ensure you get the fun experience you want. So, let’s dig into travel tips for your Super Bowl LIX experience in NOLA and Louisiana.


Location Overview: What You Have to Know

If you’ve never spent time in New Orleans and have always dreamed of exploring NOLA and Louisiana proper, Super Bowl LIX is the perfect time! Super Bowl Sunday is one of winter's busiest times to travel, especially for people visiting warm-weather New Orleans. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a ton of fun visiting this city before and after the game.

Where is Super Bowl 2025?

This year’s Super Bowl will occur at Caesars Superdome in downtown NOLA, Louisiana. As the home of the New Orleans Saints, the Caesars Superdome is a cultural center for the city that hosts private events, concerts, and far more than just football games.

While there’s far more to NOLA than this arena, your Super Bowl trip will center heavily on getting in and around it, so make sure you read up on it before visiting. Pay close attention to our travel tips in the following sections, including what travel accessories you should pack. Doing so can ensure you’re ready to have the time of your life here.

NOLA is a City of Culture and History

Few cities have the fantastic historical and cultural significance of New Orleans. Its first residents were the Woodland and Mississippian Native American tribes, who better understood the city's unique nature than European visitors. Built on the silt of the Mississippi River, life in NOLA forced Native settlers to adapt quickly and live a unique and exciting life.

European settlers took control of the area in 1718 when French Louisiana governor Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne founded New Orleans. Since then, the city has grown continually thanks to its crucial location near the mouth of the Mississippi. Louisiana’s culture focuses heavily on New Orleans and the trade it still brings to the state.

Modern NOLA combines a history of Native, Spanish, and French cultures into a sprawling metropolis with a bustling economy and many exciting and unforgettable activities. Visitors during Super Bowl LIX will have plenty of great experiences visiting the city.

When to Travel to New Orleans, Louisiana

At The Parking Spot, we know that coming to Caesars Superdome in NOLA for Super Bowl LIX can seem imposing or even terrifying. Thousands of people in the city will be packed into hotels, bed and breakfast destinations, and more. What should you bring to maximize your carry-on luggage if you plan on flying? And when should you arrive? These travel tips can help you!

How Far Ahead Should You Travel?

You don’t want to attend New Orleans on the day of the Super Bowl, if possible; many activities like restaurants, parking, activities will be impossible to reserve or very crowded. Our team at The Parking Spot suggests you show up at least 2-3 days before the game, or even more if you can afford it; this gives ample time to settle in and enjoy NOLA.

Just as importantly, you can try attending one of the many pre-Super Bowl LIX events in and around the city, including:

  • Super Bowl Opening Night: On Monday, February 3, Caesars Superdome will host family-friendly activities, photo opportunities, and the chance to meet the teams and coaches.
  • Super Bowl Experience: From Feb 5-8, the Ernest Morial Convention Center will host the NFL’s football festival, where fans can meet current players and legends from the past.
  • Louisiana Culture Festival: On Feb 7-8, this exciting free festival will highlight the city's cultural and historical adventures in great detail.
  • Concerts: Throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl, New Orleans hosts multiple concerts, including opera, rock, country, folk, and even rap events.

Timing and Weather Considerations

When visiting New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, keep these travel tips in mind about weather and timing:

  • Pack for Warm and Cold Weather: NOLA and Louisiana are typically warmer than much of the nation during February, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold weather can and does happen, so return for hot and cool temperatures when visiting.
  • Expect Lots of People: While winter is usually shoulder season for most areas, New Orleans is nice and warm, so expect many people to be around in early February. Even beyond the Super Bowl, plenty of people will be looking to party and have fun this year.

Travel and Arrival in New Orleans and Louisiana

If you plan on flying into New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, knowing some travel tips for getting in and around the city and Louisiana is critical. Beyond the Super Bowl at Caesars Superdome, learning how to get around to streamline your stay is essential.

Nearby Airports and Transportation Options

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the closest airport serving NOLA and is just 17-22 minutes away from Caesars Superdome! Try to book in areas like Metairie or Carrollton, as they’re far from both without being too expensive.

Companies like Hertz, Thrifty, AVIS, Dollar Car Rental, and Budget are all available if you want a car to get around the city. Public transportation from NORTA or the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority helps people get around the city by bus at a reasonable price.

Navigating the City

Beyond rental cars, Uber, and NORTA buses, you should try out the city’s street cars. They create a genuinely NOLA-like experience that even Louisiana locals love. If you’re worried about traffic, here are a few tips to keep in mind while visiting the city:

  • Follow parking lot etiquette tips to avoid problems, such as centering your car in the spot
  • Most days have at least 2-10 minutes of delay, so plan for that to avoid frustration
  • Stay off the road between 8-9 in the morning and 5-6 in the afternoon to avoid congestion

Where to Stay in NOLA During Super Bowl LIX

Louisiana hotels during the Super Bowl will be expensive and booked well ahead of time. If you’re coming to NOLA for this experience, consider these travel tips from The Parking Spot to ensure you find a place to stay that suits your needs.

Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

Your Super Bowl LIX trip to New Orleans should include staying in areas near Caesars Superdome, such as the French Quarter or the Central Business District. The following categories include a few places that suit your specific needs.

Luxury Stays

  • Maison Metier in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
  • Sonder Baronne Manor
  • The Natchez

Mid-Range

  • Blue Heron
  • Sonder The Schaeffer
  • Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown

Budget

  • Quality Inn New Orleans I-10 East
  • India House Backpackers Hostels
  • Trident Inn & Suites

Alternative Accommodations

If you want a unique personal experience, NOLA has many AirBnB options and similar vacation rentals. These include condos, guesthouses, and rooms throughout the city. These are often relatively affordable and give you a more personalized experience. Apartments, in particular, give you a compact and enjoyable place to hang out while you’re in NOLA for Super Bowl LIX.

Dining and Local Eats in New Orleans, Louisiana, for Super Bowl LIX

NOLA is well known for having some of the best cuisine in America! Caesars Superdome might have some Louisiana favorites for the Super Bowl. However, you should still visit a few of the city's most iconic and exciting restaurants. Here are a few we love at The Parking Spot!

Top Restaurants and Cuisines

A NOLA travel tips article is only complete with a few fantastic restaurants. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Chicken’s Kitchen a truly legendary lunch spot with stuffed catfish, po’boys, and gumbo
  • Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar, the best place in town to get po’boys
  • Casamento’s, an old-school seafood joint that’s been open since 1919
  • Dakar NOLA a delicious West African food that also features beignets
  • Coquette, a Southern-style brasserie with authentic Louisiana food

Quick Eats and Game Day Snacks

If you’re looking for quick food near Caesars Superdome before, on, or after game day, here are a few spots you and your family can try out:

What to Pack for Your NOLA Super Bowl Trip

Don’t forget to take Louisiana weather and other conditions in mind. Follow these suggestions from The Parking Spot to ensure you are comfortable and prepared on the big day.

Game Day Essentials

Since you can’t bring outside food, recording devices, weapons, or most bags to Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, it’s essential to make sure you only carry what’s allowed. Your phone is fine, of course. Purses are also okay, but they will be checked before entry.

The average high temperature in New Orleans in February is in the mid to high 60’s.

On game day, consider layering with a light jacket and spring-to-fall clothing, like a long-sleeved shirt over a short-sleeved one, to stay comfortable as temperatures shift. Long pants are also brilliant because the weather can move rapidly in NOLA.

Items for Comfort and Convenience

When you’re at the game, make sure you bring these items to stay comfortable:

  • Portable chargers to make sure your phone is ready
  • Reusable water bottles you can use to stay hydrated (water is considered okay)
  • Foldable raincoats you can put on if it starts getting nasty outside
  • Sunglasses to minimize glare from the heavy lights (if you’re sensitive to that)
  • Hand sanitizer to avoid spreading disease (COVID-19 is still genuine)
  • Binoculars (unless you have great seats, you’re going to be squinting a lot)
  • Earplugs to help cut back on loud noise (it can be damaging to many people)
  • Team gear (why not show your loyalty to your favorite team at the game?)

What to Expect at the Super Bowl in 2025

Coming to NOLA for the Super Bowl should be an exciting experience for Louisiana residents and those beyond. New Orleans takes its events seriously, and you should ensure you do as well.

Security and Stadium Policies

Caesars Superdome provides intensive security measures, including metal detectors, on-site guards, and police officers at all games. Visitors can only bring clear vinyl bags about 12 inches wide to the arena, as all others are prohibited. A few items you can’t bring include:

  • Animals
  • Bats
  • Bottles and cans
  • Fireworks
  • Guns
  • Noisemakers
  • Mace
  • Drones
  • Recording devices

Game Day Experience

When you’re finally in the stadium, expect a lot of people with huge crowds and lots of energy. Even going to the bathroom or buying a drink will be a long waiting process. Thankfully, fan zones and entertainment opportunities, including on-field fun, should keep you entertained.

Be courteous and kind, and give people the safe space they need. Especially when many attendees may be imbibing, there will be plenty of emotions going around. At least half the stadium will be unhappy with how the game is going, so keep that in mind.

It’s also best to visit food and drink stands during game lulls rather than halftime, as you’ll a) miss the show and b) get stuck in substantial queue lines. Eating healthy at the Super Bowl could be a fool’s errand, so embrace it and try exercising while traveling.

Post-Game Celebration or Departure Tips

If you’re not looking forward to heavy traffic after the game, leaving before or when it ends is a good idea. Even if it’s a tight game, heading for the exits before the final whistle will keep you from getting stuck in long traffic queues.

Expect the same traffic if you want to head to any celebration spot. Bars, restaurants, and even hotels will be packed with people. If you want to enjoy yourself after the game, hiring a taxi or an Uber driver is an excellent option for getting around the city.

Tips for an Enjoyable Trip This Super Bowl LIX

Your trip to Caesars Superdome will immerse you in a unique cultural environment that can be overwhelming if you aren’t careful. At The Parking Spot, we want to prepare you for these changes by sharing some travel tips to make your overall experience more enjoyable.

Local Etiquette and Culture

Like any major city, New Orleans has many cultural and etiquette ideas you must understand before the Super Bowl. Here are a few you can’t ignore:

  • People in NOLA are friendly, laid-back, and often relatively slow-paced, so try to accept that to avoid conflict with the locals: rushing them will get you nowhere
  • Anyone planning a family vacation to the Super Bowl should talk with the hotel first to set up some kid-friendly fun: NOLA is very welcoming to children and has lots of things to do
  • Louisiana dialects can be pretty intense, and many words like “lagniappe” might not make sense to you: take some time studying them to avoid confusion.
  • New Orleans wait staff, performers, and musicians expect tips and pretty good ones, so bring some cash to avoid annoyance: your service will improve immeasurably.
  • Solo travelers should expect amicable attention from people in the city. NOLA and Louisiana are steeped in southern hospitality; accept it to get the best service quality.

Money-Saving Hacks

Looking to save some cash while visiting NOLA? First and foremost, start by saving good money on your flying experience. Then, you can try a few other simple tips and strategies from The Parking Spot that make your wallet a little less empty. Here are a few to use:

  • Walk whenever possible because NOLA is a very foot-friendly city
  • Buy the $3 day pass from The Street Car to save yourself money
  • Book in areas like The Garden District and Metairie
  • Plan early (like start buying tickets right now)
  • Hit up places like Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and Royal Street for inexpensive fun
  • There are lots of street performers who play for free, so check them out
  • NOLA’s above-ground tombs are fascinating and free to visit
  • Ridesharing, ridesharing, ridesharing: it’s the best way to save on travel

Book Your Trip With The Parking Spot’s Travel Tips and Suggestions

If visiting New Orleans for the Super Bowl sounds like a great experience, following our travel tips is critical to ensure you get in and out of New Orleans and Louisiana with relative ease. Super Bowl LIX and Caesars Superdome will be crazy and hectic during this time, even more so than NOLA usually is year-round. So take your time to plan this trip properly.

Just as importantly, make sure you plan your airport reservations ahead of time to keep your car safe during your trip!

 

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