With the big game just around the bend, New Orleans is showing out for visitors … especially the media.
Louisiana leaders will be looking to show off business opportunities in the state to VIP visitors at Mardi Gras World later tonight. Thousands of members of the media will be attending the event, and Blaine Kern (CEO and President of Kern Studios and Mardi Gras World) was enthusiastic about the opportunity to host when speaking with WWL’s Tommy Tucker.
“Obviously, I’ve been part of the Super Bowl since I was a kid. Since before they even started calling the actual championship game the Super Bowl,” Kern exclaims. “We put on events better than anyone else on Earth, that’s why we’re getting the game in town for the 11th time. Hell, it would be number 12 if it weren’t for Katrina and we would be ahead of Miami!”
An emphasis is on entertainment with so many big names and celebrities in town. Kern says both he and the city of New Orleans understand how to throw a party. “The events are great, the NFL has embraced New Orleans, and the city will have its imprint on this Super Bowl,” Kern adds.
He has also taken to calling the festivities around the big game “Lombardi Gras” and adds that with so many events happening at Mardi Gras World and around town, visitors are sure to have a great time. “Tonight at Mardi Gras World is going to be a mixture of JazzFest and Mardi Gras meeting during the Super Bowl. Members of the media will taste our best food and won’t have to wait more than one minute for a drink!” Kern goes on to say. He adds that he had “super bars” built to ensure that media members are served promptly.
He has also taken to calling the festivities around the big game “Lombardi Gras” and adds that with so many events happening at Mardi Gras World and around town, visitors are sure to have a great time. “Tonight at Mardi Gras World is going to be a mixture of JazzFest and Mardi Gras meeting during the Super Bowl.
Members of the media will taste our best food and won’t have to wait more than one minute for a drink!” Kern goes on to say. He adds that he had “super bars” built to ensure that media members are served promptly.
The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Kern says Wednesday night at the Mardi Gras World Annex (which is a new venue) will hold a fundraiser for ALS with Steve Gleason. Friday night, Shaq’s Fun House takes over Mardi Gras World and Kern says they built an 8 ft. tall throne just for the former NBA star. The event will feature popular DJ’s.
Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate event happens on Sunday and will feature a bevy of specialty foods as well. “Between the unparalleled hospitality and the great weather, it’s going to be a great week for visitors,” Kern goes on to say.