Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a stadium located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mercedes-Benz Superdome currently houses the NFL teams the New Orleans Saints. The stadium opened as Louisiana Superdome on August 3, 1975 with the construction taking four years at a cost of $134 million, $572 million in today’s dollars. In 2011 Mercedes-Benz signed a naming rights deal.
The New Orleans Saints are one time Super Bowl Champions and are members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference within the NFL. They are known by their team colors consisting of black, gold and white. The current owners of the Saints are Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc.
The stadium currently holds 73,208 fans. There are 153 luxury suites and over 10,000 seats at the club level. Currently, it was the ninth largest stadium in the NFL. Mercedes-Benz Superdome is also a great venue for concerts and has hosted such musicians as ‘N Sync, Britney Spears and Beyonce. It also hosted the 1988 Republican National Convention.
Mercedes-Benz Superdome under went drastic renovations due to Hurricane Katrina at a cost of $185 million. In 2006 a larger renovation project was undertaken to the tune of $320 million which included replacing the outside siding.
The majority of tickets for Saint’s games are sold out and there is an extensive waitlist for season tickets. However, Saint’s fans can attempt to find available tickets to individual games through ticket exchanges.
If you're looking for a place to "pass a good time" in New Orleans, you can't go wrong spending a day at City Park. Spanning 1,300 acres, this 150 year old urban park is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The park features dozens of attractions and amenities including a botanical garden, tennis courts, The New Orleans Museum of Art, a golf course, pedal boating, and paths for jogging, biking or walking. There's lots of family-friendly attractions including City Putt miniature golf, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland Theme Park, featuring life-sized storybook characters that will delight visitors of all ages. It might sound cliche-ish but there's literally something for everyone to enjoy at City Park.
Parking and public transportation at New Orleans City Park
There's ample free onsite parking in one of the available lots or on the streets blanketing the park. You can easily access the park using public transportation, on either a city bus or the red Canal Streetcar using direct and connecting service.
Best and worst times to go to New Orleans City Park
In addition to all of the great attractions in City Park, the site is the venue for numerous special events throughout the year. One of the best times to visit the park is during one of these events like Swing in the Oaks, a free outdoor concert featuring the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra or Celebration in the Oaks, a month-long holiday lights celebration. One of the worst times to visit City Park is during Jazz Fest weekends. You can expect tons of traffic and very few (if any) places to park because many park and walk to the New Orleans Fairgrounds or take a shuttle bus to the popular music festival.
Admission to New Orleans City Park
Admission to the park is free, however, there are fees for many of the special attraction venues. For example, you can expect to pay around $5.00 for admission to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, with children under 36 inches getting in free. The rides in the amusement park cost about $5 each or in the $20 range for an unlimited ride band. You'll pay about $10 for City Putt, with discounts for children under twelve.
Must see/do at New Orleans City Park
You cannot visit the park without strolling around Big Lake, 25 acres replete with art installations, wildlife and more. The Train Gardens is an architecturally stunning miniature New Orleans with train and street cars winding around the track that you'll definitely want to visit. When you're ready for a snack, stop by Morning Call for hot fluffy New Orleans beignets and a cup of java ( a playground is adjacent for the kiddies).
Other places to visit near New Orleans City Park
If you're hungry for authentic New Orleans cuisine after your visit, try Ralph's on the Park, where you'll find favorites like turtle soup, barbeque shrimp and of course, several seafood dishes. Residents of New Orleans get used to seeing our dead buried above ground, but many visitors are fascinated by our cemeteries. If you are too, stop by the historic Greenwood Cemetery, to see examples of classic and extravagant tombs and monuments. A few steps away from the park is Pitot House, well worth a visit if you want to see an authentic example of an 18th Century Creole home.
Insider tip for visitors to New Orleans City Park
A great way to see the park is by bike. No bike..no problem. Bike rentals are available and include everything from singles to kids to doubles to canopied surrey bikes. You can expect to pay about $20-35 an hour or about $50 for a full day rental.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives in New Orleans and along with her son Tyler, has spent too many days to count enjoying City Park.
Many locals still refer to it as the New Orleans Arena, but the home of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans was renamed the Smoothie King Center in 2014. It is also the home to Arena Football League's New Orleans VooDoo, and hosts everything from musical concerts to Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus to WWE Raw. This tri-level, multi-purpose center has two general admission levels and a floor containing 56 private suites and a club. Conveniently located in the Central Business District (CBD) , the Smoothie King Center recently underwent a much needed facelift.
Stadium Parking at the Smoothie King Center
You'll have no problems finding parking when you visit the Smoothie King Center; the Superdome, Smoothie King Center and Champions Square complex offers seven covered parking garages and two surface lots. Make sure you bring cash because the lots do not take plastic. Visitors also have the option of parking in one of dozens of third-party parking lots; all within easy walking distance. If you arrive early for your event, you may be able to find free parking spots near the venue, but they are few and far between and you really need to be familiar with the city to find these coveted spots (and know where to park to avoid getting a ticket). The day rates for parking vary depending on the event but you can expect to pay about $15.
Hotels near the Smoothie King Center
Because of its CBD location, there are many hotels located within easy walking distance of the Smoothie King Center. The Hyatt Regency is just steps away and the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome, is an easy trot to the stadium. However, for the best deals, you'll want to head away from the stadium. The Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown and The Lafayette Hotel, for example, both offer lower rates but are still within a comfortable walking distance.
Seating at the Smoothie King Center
The Smoothie King Center can accommodate 18,000 seats in various configurations, depending on the event. A limited number of suites may also be available during certain events. No matter where you sit, even in the so-called nosebleed sections, the view is pretty good. For families, this is a sweet deal in terms of both price (about $20) and view.
Food at the Smoothie King Center
You'll find typical stadium fare like hot dogs, hamburger, nachos and chicken tenders, alongside New Orleans favorites like red beans and rice, shrimp po' boys and catfish platters. There's ice cream, fried bread pudding and cupcakes for your sweet tooth, and a bevy of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Juicy chicken tenders with waffle fries from the Fowl Line and ultimate nachos from Nola Nachos will leave you feeling gastronomically satisfied. Expect to pay typical stadium prices, about $5 for a beverage and $10 for an entree.
Beer at the Smoothie King Center
For beer drinkers, draft and bottle options are available. You can stand in line (all of them move pretty quickly) or you can snag a canned beer from one of the vendors as they make their rounds. Expect to pay about $10 for a cold one.
Parking alternatives at the Smoothie King Center
If you don't want the hassle of parking onsite but you're not within walking distance, public transportation is an alternative. The Smoothie King Center is located in the hub of downtown New Orleans and is easily accessible on one of the many direct or connecting bus or streetcar lines.
What to bring to the Smoothie King Center
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed, so definitely plan on leaving these items in your hotel room or car and opting for a smaller bag (no bigger than 12 x 12) if you have to bring one with you. It's a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket ; you don't want not enjoy your event because you're chilly.
Insider tip for the Smoothie King Center
There's usually pre-game/event activities taking place at either Champions Square or in front of the center, so come early and enjoy the fun.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives and writes from the Big Easy. She enjoys spending time at the Smoothie King Center rooting on her New Orleans Pelicans.
