NFL has assured fans that Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans will be a “safe and enjoyable” experience after at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in a terrorist attack in the historic city early Wednesday morning.
The tragedy occurred in the early morning hours on New Year’s Day when a driver drove through a crowd on Bourbon Street, which the FBI is actively investigating as an “act of terrorism.”
Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work at the scene on Bourbon Street after at least ten people were killed when one person reportedly drove into a crowd in the early morning hours on New Year’s Day January 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
The attack raised security concerns across the city, prompting college football officials postpone the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for later that night at the Superdome less than a mile from the crime scene.
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The Superdome will also host Super Bowl February 9.
The league released a statement following Wednesday’s tragedy to express its condolences to the victims and their families and reassure fans of its commitment to ensuring their safety for the big game, which is just over a month away.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating incident in New Orleans. Our thoughts are with the victims, the New Orleans community and all those affected,” the statement said.
“The NFL and local host committee have worked with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years to develop comprehensive security plans. These planning sessions will continue as they do with all major NFL events, and we are confident that attendees will have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl experience.”
Super Bowl LIX merchandise seen at Mardi Gras World on October 15, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for Raising Cane’s)
OFFICIALS POSTPONE SUGAR BANK DUE TO APPARENT TERRORIST ATTACK ON BOURBON STREET
After the attack, officials were asked questions about the safety of pedestrians and tourists, particularly regarding the use of bollards.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told reporters that hosting the Super Bowl allowed the city to work on a cleat replacement program in its infrastructure package with hopes of having it completed well before the game.
“The bollards are not up because they are close to completion with the expectation that they will be completed, of course, by the Super Bowl — well before the Super Bowl.”
A general exterior general aerial view of the Caesars Superdome, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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Officials admit that the previously installed bollards did not function properly, prompting the emergency replacement.
“We recognize that we have a problem right here, right? We’re going to fix it,” Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Wednesday.
“That will be a top priority as we go into the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, and the solution we come up with will be permanent and will be put into the standard operating procedure of hosting major events and securing that quarter.”
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