Hospitality leaders amped for potential economic impact of Super Bowl 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LA (WVUE) - Gayle Benson is just a day away from presenting proposal to bring the Super Bowl back to New Orleans. It's an invitation exclusively for the Crescent City, making it the only candidate in what's usually a competitive process.

After two lost bids, New Orleans is well on its way to securing the Super Bowl in six, short years.

"The Super Bowl is like the premier event to host," said Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association Executive Director Mavis Early.

There is no arguing New Orleans is one of the most gracious hosts around, having been home to the event 10 times, already. Hospitality leaders say, it's for good reason-- from the city's walkability to experienced law enforcement and, of course, our local charm.

"Really, our people. Because we are so friendly and we love our city and we want everybody to love our city," said Early.

New Orleans hosted its last Super Bowl in 2013 and Early says it will be tough to top it.

"We have some new venues that are available. We have more hotel rooms. It's like a 97% plus occupancy during Super Bowl Week," Early explained.

It's not just the weekend drawing flocks of football fans and, in 2024, they'll likely stick around after the big game's over. The championship will come during Carnival.

"It's going to be three weeks of partying and fun," said Early.

"I am extremely excited for that kind of party," said Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar Manager Chris Clinkenbeard.

Clinkenbeard says, last time around, his bar and the surrounding area had never been more alive.

"I can go back and look at sales from those particular days and they're unrivaled. So, to have another one pull into town for that week would be phenomenal, especially with all the new restaurants and bars and everything that's popped up within the last seven or eight years," said Clinkenbeard.

Of course, New Orleans is an expert at throwing parties and it shows. In 2013, Super Bowl visitors spent $618 a day. The NFL and its entities spent $718 a day, generating an economic impact that could be felt statewide.

In total, the Super Bowl generated nearly $35 million in tax revenue for the state.

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