New Orleans proved that it was the perfect city to host the Super Bowl. The city welcomed visitors from all over the world with open arms and southern hospitality. We would make the argument that New Orleans should be the host every year for the big game.
After a terrorist attacked rocked the Crescent City just five weeks earlier the city still came together to create a party like no other to celebrate the biggest game in sports. We’re not sure any other city in America could have made it happen in the generous spirit that was created last week for everyone to see and we are proud to call New Orleans home.
New Orleans’ French Quarter got into the Super Bowl spirit with a beautiful light show like never before in Jackson Square. The light display was projected onto the iconic landmarks, the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytere. The light projection shows were from February 1-9, nightly every 30 minutes from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Jackson Square is recognized as a National Landmark and earned its name for its three bronze statues of Andrew Jackson, who defended the city during the War of 1812, located in its center. Housed in the square are; the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the US, the Cabildo, the original home for the Spanish colonial city hall that now houses part of the Louisiana State Museum, and the Presbytere, originally a residence for clergy but is now home to a collection of Mardi Gras memorabilia.
The idea of a light show was the product of New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson and the National Football League. Benson visited the light show on Superbowl Sunday where he said, “This celebration reflects our spirit, our heritage and it’s an important reminder of the need to preserve what makes our city so special.” The historic St. Louis Cathedral is in the midst of a 75-million-dollar restoration campaign, being led by Mrs. Benson.
The elaborate light displays are created by thirteen laser projectors. The set-up in the days leading to the light display included 40 hours of building scanning to prepare them as future canvases for local and Superbowl art. The local artists involved include Becky Fos, James Michalopoulos, Terrance Osborne, Hunt Slonem, and George Rodrigue.
The stunning lights display in Jackson Square was a free event open to the public. Since its success and widespread admiration, folks in New Orleans and those visiting are hoping for an extension of the exhibition to continue bringing color and life to the walls of the square.