What is the Capacity of Caesars Superdome Stadium?

One of the most iconic monuments in sports history, and a pillar of the NFL nearly since the time of its current structure, the Superdome has gone by many names but remains an integral part of the league’s lore. Host to 7 Super Bowl games, and planning for an 8th soon, the Caesars Superdome is a major site for sports events, football or basketball.

Even as a source of inspiration and comfort through times of discomfort, such as during the ill-fated effects of Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome has stood as a pillar of strength in the entire New Orleans, Louisiana area,

Officially host to the New Orleans Saints, the Superdome has time-honored traditions that it also follows, like the Sugar Bowl, a tradition that dates back to 1975. Further, the Bayou Classic, and the Tulane Green Wave football team also call the facility their home. During the time of expansion, the New Orleans Jazz called the Superdome its home for a 4-year stretch from 1975-1979.

New England Patriots Home Venue

Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Superdome has been the proud home field for the New Orleans Saints for nearly 50 years now.

Since 1975, the Curtis and Davis built monument stands as a pillar of greatness in the state of Louisiana. A major draw for sporting events, it has seen 7 Super Bowls played under it with an 8th planned for 2025. It is routinely a host for the NCAA Championship games in basketball, having held 5 such matches. Since its inception, the venue has undergone renovations and name changes aplenty.

Initially the Lousiana Superdome, its naming rights were purchased by Mercedes-Benz in 2011. Almost a decade later, the stadium was sold for a second time, this time to Caesars Entertainment, earning a second name change to the Caesars Superdome.

Caesars Superdome Capacity

One of the largest stadiums in the entire NFL, the Superdome is a monumental size. Since its construction, its capacity has gone up and down. With a multitude of sports finding their place here, the capacity tends to vary from sport to sport.

As a football stadium, Caesars can hold 73,208 people at maximum capacity. However, that number is expandable should the situation demand it to 76,468. For basketball games, the number remains close to the same, clocking in at 73,432. In the case of baseball, the number is significantly less. At 56,941, the size of the baseball field itself limits the crowd capacity to an extent.

However, the greatest crowd, in terms of capacity, that the iconic venue has hosted isn’t for any of these sports. Instead, that crown belongs to Wrestlemania 34 in 2018 when a humongous 78,133 people filtered into the iconic arena. In its nearly 50-year history and nearly 5 years since that event, the number remains untouched.

Caesars Superdome History

Due to its long-time serving as a major stadium in the NFL, the Superdome has a rich history in the many years since its inception. However, the story of how it came about, is equally as fascinating.

In a bid to get the NFL to approve a team in New Orleans, David Dixon thought up the idea of the Superdome. But, after some exhibition games, it was made clear that a domed stadium was a necessity in New Orleans for the NFL to venture there. Along with then-governor, John McKeithen, the duo decided to build a replica of the Astrodome. In a matter of weeks, bonds for the Superdome’s construction were passed in 1966. Just a week later, New Orleans became the host of the 25th professional football franchise.

From 1975 onwards, all of New Orleans matches have taken place in the iconic dome. In January 1978, the Superdome would play host to its first Super Bowl. Its last outing of the event was in 2013. During Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome was used as a shelter of last resort.

One iconic event from its rich history is the Super Bowl XLVII power failure. During the last time, the city played host to the Big Game. the game had a partial power failure that stopped the game for about half an hour in the third quarter. Some cameras and the voiceover were also lost. While the lights eventually came back on, the game eventually commenced without hassle. Eventually, a relay device to prevent electrical overload was cited as the cause of the failure. Thankfully, at no point in time was the Superdome’s power system compromised.

Caesars Superdome Construction and Cost

The idea for the stadium became a hub for all kinds of sports, whether it be football, baseball, or basketball, with the main feature being that it would support movable field-level stands that could be arranged for specific sports. Blount International of Montgomery, AL was chosen to build the stadium. Many mediator variations of the iconic dome, made out of things like sugar or pennies were built as part of exhibitions.

While the initial plan was to have the stadium completed by 1972 political delays cost construction to begin in 1971 with the stadium being ready in 1975. While initial costs put it at nearly $46 million, the price at the end would skyrocket to nearly $165 million due to inflation and the 1973 oil crisis. That amount would equal roughly $730 million today.

The stadium would go through major renovations in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina destroyed parts of it, along with flooding accidents. FEMA put up $115 million for the project the state spent $13 million and the LSED also secured $41 million. The rest was paid for by the NFL, totaling nearly $193 million, almost $280 million today.

Since then, minor renovations have continued to take place, such as the restoration of the roof being the biggest one. Further, an innovative drainage system, escalators, and suite enhancements were also made to the stadium. In 2010, the stadium turned to synthetic turf, more than 110,000 square feet of it, good for the largest continuous synthetic turf system in the NFL. In 2011, nearly 3,500 seats were added to the plaza concourse. Moreover, 7.5K sq.foot of premier bunker loungers were also added to the plaza level.

Current renovations, at the cost of $450 million are underway that should include atriums and an improved concourse. Phase one has already begun.

Caesars Superdome Seating Chart

What to bring to Caesars Superdome?

There is a long list of prohibited items not allowed at Caesars Superdome. But, there are some items that can be taken in after inspection.

Prohibited Items List

• All food and beverage items, except a 20oz factory-sealed water bottle

• Glass, metal, plastic thermos, cups, bottles, or flasks

• Backpacks, fanny packs, belt bags, cinch bags, coolers and bags larger than permissible size

• Helmets and hardhats

• Weapons including guns, knives, etc.

• Fireworks

• Flammable Liquids

• Noisemakers like air horns or bells

• Boom Boxes

• Video or professional cameras

• Laser pointers of any type

• Portable Heaters

• Large Strollers

• Floor mats and carpet squares

• Seat cushions, especially ones with pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers

• Sports balls

Permitted but after Inspection

• Clear plastic bags with a maximum size of 12” by 6” by 12”

• Clear fanny packs and backpacks are also allowed

• One-gallon clear plastic zip-seal bags

• Small clutch bags (max size:4.5” by 6.5”)

• Small still cameras under 6” without a case

• Binoculars without a case

• Hand-held radios and TVs with earpieces

• Blankets

• Banners, signs, and flags (Max size: 3’ by 5’)

• Small compact umbrellas (cannot be opened inside the stadium)

• Water Bottle (Factory sealed, 20oz or less)

• Breast pumps and supplies

• Portable Chargers (Max size: 6” by 3” by 1.5” and need to be disconnected during inspection)

• Seat Cushions without pockets, zippers, compartments, and covers
  
  

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