2025 Super Bowl Security Tips 101: What You Need To Know Now

Increased Measures After New Year’s Attack

In preparation for hosting Super Bowl LIX on February 9^th, 2025, the city of New Orleans has taken drastic measures to increase safety after a deadly vehicular attack on Bourbon Street during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The attack’s success was blamed on a lack of proper mitigation mechanisms, primarily security barriers, which are designed to impede a vehicle’s ability to access cordoned areas.

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While this issue is set to be addressed, there remains concern over how effective available barriers would be against larger vehicles, such as the Ford F-150 used on New Year’s Eve. Additionally, the city has radically increased the number of personnel set to be deployed during the Super Bowl, including local police, SWAT teams, and drone operators. The city has also reached out to the Department of Homeland Security to increase the security designation for the Super Bowl, as well as private security consultants to address areas for improvement.

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Human Trafficking Concerns

The Super Bowl is a known hub for human trafficking operations; in 2024, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported over 400 arrests related to trafficking during ‘Super Bowl Week.’ Local, state, and federal law enforcement entities are continuing their operations against these criminal enterprises.

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In September, the Department of Homeland Security, along with local law enforcement, advocacy groups, and hospitality entities, conducted a training program to help these groups identify potential victims or criminal activity. Anti-trafficking advocacy groups also continue to campaign against these crimes and offer educational material to help all citizens identify victims or criminal acts, as well as resources to contact in those situations.

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Crime in New Orleans

While New Orleans has seen a notable reduction in violent crimes recently, criminal activity remains a serious concern for the city. Local officials tout a 40% reduction in crimes such as homicides, shootings, and carjackings in 2024, although FBI crime statistics from 2023 showed a rise in crimes such as sexual assault and robbery. Additionally, the popular tourist neighborhood, the French Quarter, has seen spikes in violent crime, including its highest recent murder rate in 2024.

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Additional Concerns for New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its party atmosphere, specifically in the French Quarter, which can incur some additional security issues. The city has an open container law; however, there are some stipulations that visitors should know to avoid breaking the law. The open container law is only valid in the French Quarter and some of the surrounding streets, and is only for plastic cups, not glass.

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While enforcement is typically relaxed, the increased security environment for the Super Bowl may result in heightened enforcement. Additionally, the French Quarter saw a 70% increase in pickpockets in 2024, as criminals seek to take advantage of large crowds and public drunkenness.

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General Safety Tips

Tips to navigate the crowds and mitigate risks at the Super Bowl:

• Ensure that you plan out your entrance and exit from the Superdome.
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• Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid activities that occupy your attention, such as being on your phone or using headphones.
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• Keep any non-essential valuables in your lodgings and do not bring them to the stadium or any excursions throughout the city.
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• Do not access sensitive information on unprotected Wi-Fi networks.
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• Familiarize yourself with emergency exits at the stadium and in any other venue you visit.
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• Stay with your group and remain conscientious of alcohol consumption.

• Stay up to date with event and stadium information like bag policies, cash or cashless operations, parking, and prohibited item policies.
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Resources

Caesars Superdome

Address - 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112

Website - http://www.caesarssuperdome.com/‍

Phone Number - (+1)800-756-7074

Important Event Details 

https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/event-info/security-procedures

New Orleans Emergency Alert Info

text NOLAREADY to 77295

Information for the 8^th Police District (location of the Superdome)‍

Address - 8th Police District334 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone - (504) 658-6080

Emergency Room Closest to the Superdome‍

LCMC Health Emergency Care 1415 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112 24/7

New Orleans Crisis Hotline for Human Trafficking Witnesses and Victims

504-285-9865