Security, tourism, and tension: New Orleans braces for Super Bowl LIX amid safety concerns
Pranjal Chandra | THE TIMES OF INDIA NEWS SERVICE | Feb 06, 2025, 18:11 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
New Orleans prepares for Super Bowl LIX with increased security measures after a recent tragic attack on Bourbon Street. Authorities are deploying over 2,700 officers and reinforcing anti-vehicle barriers, but there are concerns over Louisiana's permitless concealed carry law amidst the heightened security.
As New Orleans gears up to host Super Bowl LIX, the city faces an unprecedented balancing act—welcoming tens of thousands of visitors while addressing heightened security concerns in the wake of a devastating New Year’s Day attack.
The attack, in which a driver plowed through Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring 57, has left a lingering sense of vulnerability. For a city known for its festive, carefree spirit, the incident served as a grim reminder of the threats that can arise even in places long considered unlikely targets.
Eric Cook, a prominent local chef, expressed the unease that many business owners feel. “New Orleans was always ‘The Big Easy.’ Security threats were something we saw elsewhere. Now, we’re all on edge,” he said. With Super Bowl weekend expected to bring in over 100,000 visitors, the stakes for a secure and smooth event couldn’t be higher.
A city under tight watchAuthorities have ramped up security efforts significantly. The FBI has classified the Super Bowl as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1, signaling the highest level of concern and federal involvement. More than 2,700 law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies will be stationed throughout the city, particularly around the Superdome and in high-traffic areas.
NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier assured the public that all potential threats are being evaluated in real-time. The list of concerns includes vehicle attacks, cyber threats, and potential disruptions from extremist groups. “We are constantly monitoring the environment and making adjustments accordingly,” Lanier stated. Private drones are strictly prohibited, and anti-vehicle barriers have been reinforced to prevent any repeat of the Bourbon Street tragedy.
Despite these measures, some residents remain skeptical about whether New Orleans is truly prepared. Glade Bilby, a long-time French Quarter resident and community leader, acknowledges the increased security presence but worries it may be too focused on specific areas. “If an attack happens just a block outside the designated security perimeter, the impact is just as devastating,” he warned.
Gun laws spark controversyCompounding safety concerns is the fact that Louisiana’s new gun law, which allows for permitless concealed carry, remains in effect even in the French Quarter. While coolers and large bags are banned within security zones, firearms remain legal, a policy that some say undermines law enforcement efforts.
“The lack of regulation puts police officers in a difficult position,” said Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission. “If someone is openly carrying a weapon, there’s little officers can do unless that person actively commits a crime.” New Orleans City Council members have called on state lawmakers to exempt entertainment districts from the law, but Governor Jeff Landry has refused, arguing that citizens have a right to protect themselves.
Moving forward with cautionDespite the anxiety, business owners, officials, and residents alike recognize the need to move forward. The economic boost from the Super Bowl is crucial for the city’s recovery, particularly for businesses still reeling from the aftermath of the New Year’s attack.
“The goal is to show that New Orleans is safe, open, and resilient,” Cook said. As the city readies itself for the biggest event of the year, the hope is that security measures will hold strong, ensuring that the focus remains on the game—not on fear.
The attack, in which a driver plowed through Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring 57, has left a lingering sense of vulnerability. For a city known for its festive, carefree spirit, the incident served as a grim reminder of the threats that can arise even in places long considered unlikely targets.
Eric Cook, a prominent local chef, expressed the unease that many business owners feel. “New Orleans was always ‘The Big Easy.’ Security threats were something we saw elsewhere. Now, we’re all on edge,” he said. With Super Bowl weekend expected to bring in over 100,000 visitors, the stakes for a secure and smooth event couldn’t be higher.
A city under tight watchAuthorities have ramped up security efforts significantly. The FBI has classified the Super Bowl as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1, signaling the highest level of concern and federal involvement. More than 2,700 law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies will be stationed throughout the city, particularly around the Superdome and in high-traffic areas.
NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier assured the public that all potential threats are being evaluated in real-time. The list of concerns includes vehicle attacks, cyber threats, and potential disruptions from extremist groups. “We are constantly monitoring the environment and making adjustments accordingly,” Lanier stated. Private drones are strictly prohibited, and anti-vehicle barriers have been reinforced to prevent any repeat of the Bourbon Street tragedy.
Despite these measures, some residents remain skeptical about whether New Orleans is truly prepared. Glade Bilby, a long-time French Quarter resident and community leader, acknowledges the increased security presence but worries it may be too focused on specific areas. “If an attack happens just a block outside the designated security perimeter, the impact is just as devastating,” he warned.
Gun laws spark controversyCompounding safety concerns is the fact that Louisiana’s new gun law, which allows for permitless concealed carry, remains in effect even in the French Quarter. While coolers and large bags are banned within security zones, firearms remain legal, a policy that some say undermines law enforcement efforts.
“The lack of regulation puts police officers in a difficult position,” said Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission. “If someone is openly carrying a weapon, there’s little officers can do unless that person actively commits a crime.” New Orleans City Council members have called on state lawmakers to exempt entertainment districts from the law, but Governor Jeff Landry has refused, arguing that citizens have a right to protect themselves.
Moving forward with cautionDespite the anxiety, business owners, officials, and residents alike recognize the need to move forward. The economic boost from the Super Bowl is crucial for the city’s recovery, particularly for businesses still reeling from the aftermath of the New Year’s attack.
“The goal is to show that New Orleans is safe, open, and resilient,” Cook said. As the city readies itself for the biggest event of the year, the hope is that security measures will hold strong, ensuring that the focus remains on the game—not on fear.