Frommer's Review
Completed in 1975 (at a cost of around $180 million), the Superdome is a landmark civic structure that the world will never look at the same again. When it was proposed as a shelter during Katrina, that suggestion was intended as the last resort for those who simply had no other evacuation choice. As such, adequate plans were not in place, and when tens of thousands of refugees came or were brought there, within 24 hours it turned into hell on earth. Along with the Convention Center, it became a symbol of suffering, neglect, and despair, as people were trapped without sufficient food, water, medical care, or, it seemed, hope.
As it happened, the New Orleans Saints reopened the Superdome in 2006 with much hoopla for its first home game, against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. The halftime show was anchored by a special blend of Green Day and U2, singing their charity cover of an old punk song. Over and over, regulars and even those who had taken refuge here remarked on the gleaming success of the $118-million renovation that wiped out any physical trace of the misery the Dome hosted during the dark Katrina days. As if that wasn't enough, the Saints won! And they went on to a winning season and playoff berths, for once! We won't comment on hopes for their 2007-08 season, as we don't want to jinx it, but do join us locals in a chant of "WHO DAT?!"
Here are the Superdome's stats: It's a 27-story windowless building with a seating capacity of 76,000 and a computerized climate-control system that uses more than 9,000 tons of equipment. It's one of the largest buildings in the world in diameter (680 ft.), and its grounds cover some 13 acres. Inside, no posts obstruct the spectator's view of sporting events, be they football, baseball, or basketball, while movable partitions and seats allow the building to be configured for almost any event. Most people think of the Superdome as a sports center only (the Super Bowl has been held here numerous times, and the Sugar Bowl is back), but this flying saucer of a building has played host to conventions, balls, and big theatrical and musical productions.
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