The 2025 Super Bowl is nine days away, and security is ramping up in New Orleans. This year comes with heightened awareness because of the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people and injured dozens more.
The NFL said Thursday, Jan. 30, that they have received “no credible threats” but have also reassessed their plan in the wake of the attack. Multiple reports say a congressional delegation will visit the city next week to check out the arrangements made by federal, state and local law enforcement. They will tour the site of the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street, the New Orleans Convention Center and the Caesars Superdome.
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5, two “enhanced security zones” will be in place. One will encircle the Caesars Superdome and the NFL and the Department of Homeland Security will coordinate it. The other will secure the French Quarter and local law enforcement will coordinate it with the help of other agencies. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, R, said authorities will search bags bigger than a woman’s clutch when people enter the French Quarter.
“There will be checkpoints that are set up at each entry to prevent and deter the introduction of any destructive explosive materials; coolers and ice chests of any kind will be prohibited in our enhanced security zone,” Gov. Landry said.
New Orleans police say they are using an “all hands on deck” approach to the event. They admit it will strain resources; however, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick believes they will be ready.
“We’re going to have an incredible Super Bowl. We’re going to have a great and fun time and then followed by Mardi Gras. This is a safe city. We’ve had a tragic event, and we will never forget what happened here,” Superintendent Kirkpatrick said. “But we know and are confident that our plans are good.”
The city is expecting more than 100,000 visitors to begin arriving next week.
NFL security chief Cathy Lanier also briefed reporters this week, saying, “Thousands of law enforcement officers will be deployed over Super Bowl weekend. I think the biggest thing that you’ll see that’s different following the attacks is just a lot more visible law enforcement presence.”
Additionally, the NFL plans to modify its plan if something changes between now and game day on Sunday, Feb. 9.
