TRAHAN ARCHITECTS UNVEIL TRANSFORMATION OF CAESARS SUPERDOME IN NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS — 10 September 2024 The New Orleans Saints and ASM have marked the completion of a years-long renovation of Caesars Superdome by New Orleans-based Trahan Architects. 

Completed ahead of the beginning of the 2024/2025 NFL regular season, and Super Bowl LIX to be hosted in February 2025, the Caesars Superdome’s transformation dramatically improves the fan experience and extends the building’s lifespan, further cementing its status in Louisiana history, and as one of the most important sporting venues in the US. 

This transformed stadium comes as the result of a nearly 20-year long engagement, beginning in 2005 when Trahan Architects were selected as lead architect and managing partner following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Since this initial appointment, the firm has been re-commissioned to work on multiple phases of building improvements. The most recent multi-phase project, which started construction in 2020, is now realized with the completion of a full interior renovation — improving accessibility, guest experience, dining, navigation, wayfinding, team facilities, and operational efficiency. ​ 

Trahan Architects’ innovative approach modernizing a 50-year-old stadium within its unique constraints — and averting the significant cost and resource investment of a new build — sets a new standard in sustainable and accessible stadium architecture. ​ 

“The Caesars Superdome is among New Orleans’ most beloved buildings — it has been an honor to be its steward for nearly 20 years,” says Trey Trahan, Founder and CEO of Trahan Architects. “The ingenuity of the original design enabled us to think beyond the typical approach to stadium design, creating opportunities for reuse, and ultimately the rebirth, of an historic space. Our hope is that the Caesars Superdome will be enjoyed for generations to come.” 

RESTORING AND MODERNIZING A NEW ORLEANS ICON 

In 2017, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District re-engaged Trahan Architects, following years of prior work, to lead a master planning effort envisioning the Caesars Superdome’s future. The firm was appointed to oversee a five phase, $560 million implementation of recommended capital improvements. This comprehensive renovation is expected to extend the building’s lifespan by 25 years, allowing future generations to enjoy the same sense of community and excitement the New Orleans landmark has fostered for nearly half a century. ​ 

The updates have transformed the Caesars Superdome: extending the building’s operational lifespan with system improvements; creating a more efficient machine to support teams, fans, and events. The 68,000-seat stadium remained operational during the renovation, hosting major events such as the NCAA Final Four, Sugar Bowl, Essence Festival, Bayou Classic, and numerous concerts, in addition to the New Orleans Saints’ regular season NFL home games. The final phase, completed over five years, has improved the overall fan experience with new finishes, expanded food and beverage offerings; increased accessible seating, amenities, and circulation options. 

Trahan Architects increased the stadium’s overall square footage without expanding the building’s footprint, reclaiming more than 100,000-square-feet of public space by removing the majority of a complex ramp network, formerly serving as the primary pathway for fans to circulate throughout the building, and reconfiguring concession and service spaces along the perimeter. In its place, new light-filled atriums have been introduced in the building's three new primary fan entrances, offering new amenity spaces, higher ceilings, new egress stairwells, and introducing the building’s first high-speed escalators to the upper levels of the seating bowl. ​ ​ 

Two dedicated VIP entrances, lobbies, and vertical transportation were created to access the expanded club and suite levels, including the new Caesars Legends Club. Its former auxiliary locker rooms have been relocated, introducing new end zone field suites, and the 4,000 square foot Mercedes-Benz End Zone Club that offers an elevated VIP experience for Saints fans, concert, and event goers. Beyond this, the renovation unearthed an additional 50,000 square feet of usable back-of-house space, expanding operations, storage, and improving overall circulation for greater efficiency. ​ 

The transformation of the Caesars Superdome substantially increases accessibility throughout. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant seating has been increased with improved sight lines and unobstructed views of the field from multiple levels of the seating bowl. Five ADA platform lifts have been installed as well as 12 new passenger elevators, improving vertical circulation for all users and especially for those with disabilities. All new restrooms, bars, concessions, markets, concourses, and circulations meet ADA requirements. 

“The ability to reinvigorate a building with such meaningful contemporary history is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” reflects Brad McWhirter, Partner at Trahan Architects. “Our design keeps the building’s soul intact, while reclaiming underutilized space to transform the visitor experience. As city residents, fans, and architects we are proud to be part of a project that celebrates and protects this iconic building, a pillar of the New Orleans skyline.” 

“Few buildings have been able to adapt and evolve like the Caesars Superdome has. Our goal with this renovation was to achieve something bold and transformative in a venue that has withstood the test of time. ​ This renovation has modernized the building on every level and allowed us to enhance the overall fan experience,” says Doug Thornton, ASM Global, Executive Vice President, Stadiums, Arenas, and Theaters. “Achieving this while working around four NFL seasons was no easy feat, and it’s a testament to the creativity and capabilities of Trahan architects and the entire project team for their ability to deliver on this magnificent vision for Caesars Superdome.” 

ENDS

About Trahan Architects

Trahan Architects is a pioneering architecture studio founded by Louisiana native Trey Trahan in 1992 with offices in New Orleans and New York City. Through each project, the firm looks to create architecture rooted to its site, drawing from the natural, architectural, and cultural, histories and people of its locale. Trahan Architects has led designs of cultural and civic projects at all scales, from small-scale museums to urban parks, and cultural centers to stadiums, throughout the United States. Since its founding more than 30 years ago, Trahan Architects has been ranked number one design firm in the United States and has been honored with more than 100 awards by the American Institute of Architects.

Press Contacts

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Liam Johnson, Camron
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