The NFL is talking about Super Bowl security after the deadly Bourbon Street attack
The NFL has assured fans that Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans will be a “safe and fun” experience after a terrorist attack in the historic city early Wednesday morning left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured.
Tragedy struck on New Year’s Day morning when a driver plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street in what the FBI is investigating as an “act of terrorism.”
Multi-agency police work at the scene on Bourbon Street after at least 10 people were killed when a suspected driver drove into a crowd in the early hours of New Year’s Day on January 1, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Michael DeMocker/Getty Images)
This attack caused security concerns throughout the city, which led to college football officials postponing the Sugar Bowl, which was scheduled for later that night at the Superdome less than a mile from the scene.
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The Superdome will also host the The Super Bowl on Feb. 9.
The league issued a statement following Wednesday’s tragedy to express its condolences to the bereaved and their families and to assure the fans of their commitment to ensure their safety in this big game with one month to go.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the terrible incident that took place in New Orleans. Our thoughts are with the victims, the community of New Orleans and all those affected,” the statement read.
“The NFL and the local host committee have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies over the past two years and have developed comprehensive security plans. These planning sessions will continue as they do for all major NFL events, and we are confident that attendees will be able to and a safe and fun 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)
OFFICERS PUT OFF SUGAR BOWLER DURING BREAKTHROUGH ATTACK ON BOURBON STREET
After the attack, questions about the safety of pedestrians and tourists, especially about the use of bollards, were raised with officials.
Speaking at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell told reporters that hosting the Super Bowl allowed the city to work on the bollard replacement plan in the infrastructure package in hopes of having it completed well before the game.
“The Bollards were not standing up because they were about to be completed as they were expected to be completed by the Super Bowl – before the Super Bowl.”
A general aerial view of the exterior of the Caesars Superdome, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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Officials admit that the previous bollards were not working properly, prompting their replacement.
“We realize we have a problem right here, right? We’re going to fix it,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said Wednesday.
“It will be a priority as we go into the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, and the solution we will come up with will be permanent, it will be included in the standard operating system. to have great events and to protect that quarter.”
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