There’s a G.K. Chesterton quote that goes, “I’ve searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees.”
The quote has merit, and I’ve witnessed countless committees become mired in feet-dragging and mindless deliberation. But every now and then comes an exception.
If you ask me, after this week, we could certainly find room for a statue of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Super Bowl Host Committee somewhere within the city limits. And it’s not just them, we could include members from all the key stakeholders who worked to complete over 500+ projects leading up to Super Bowl LIX.
This was a huge week for our city and a truly defining moment. We knew that depending on how this week went, it could result in a huge economic shot in the arm. The whole year leading up to this week was a true trial by fire to test the resolve of these committees, and they delivered big time.
Success wasn't guaranteed, but it was critical. To think that hardly a month has gone by since the devastating terror attack on Bourbon Street. There were conversations about if fans would even come to the city for fear of their safety.
Now, looking back it’s safe to say we did it. We turned the wrenches, laid the pavement, secured our streets, ironed out the wrinkles, and delivered.
Remember, we have to punch above our weight level here because we don’t have the luxury of being home to Fortune 500 companies like other cities. When opportunity comes knocking we have to answer and answer resoundingly. We did just that.
There are too many people to thank for this effort. A lot of people spent a lot of money to improve our infrastructure, and we will all be beneficiaries for years to come.
Better yet, we have momentum and are set up to host more events like this in the future. The world knows now that when we collectively put our minds to something massive, we can make it happen. And we did. Now all I can say is this: Job well done.
Even before the day of the big game, plenty of people asked me when the next Super Bowl will come to town. It was just that good.
So as we close the doors on Super Bowl LIX my hat goes off to the city of New Orleans. And everyone agrees. When talking to international journalists and other journalists from around the country, that was the resounding message.
One thing I kept hearing was, “I hope we’re back here real soon.”
However, the most critical element to this week’s success is the element that sets us apart from every other city in the world. It’s the element that every single person I spoke to went on and on about. And that element, of course, is the people who call this place home. The people who drive the pulse and make the heart of this city sing.
Everyone I spoke to had stories about how friendly, accommodating, and personable the citizens of this town are. Frankly, it makes you wonder what other people are like in other cities. But one thing was clear—it’s you who closed the deal. And it's you who will inevitably be the leading factor in bringing the 12th Super Bowl to New Orleans.
When it comes down to it, the facilities, corporate sponsorships, events, and media availabilities can be found in every city that hosts the Super Bowl. They have their purpose.
But the distinguishing factor, the thing that made this Super Bowl experience so memorable to every single fan, journalist, celebrity, and player are the folks that make this city live and breathe.
Whether that’s the people who work in the cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, and clubs, the musicians or entertainers, the police force, or just those who took the time to stop and provide directions, it’s all of you who contributed to a magical week that will have a lasting impact on this city for decades to come.