The way New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu sees it, the Super Bowl has already begun. The mayor is thrilled the eyes of the world are turning to New Orleans.
Amid scaffolding that’s erected around Jackson Square, Mayor Landrieu made this announcement:
“I’m here to tell you that we are Super Bowl ready.”
The mayor says visitors are starting to arrive ahead of the Big Game, in time to enjoy some Mardi Gras events. Hundreds of thousands more are expected. And crowds will continue coming to visit the city after the Super Bowl is over. Jazz Fest, the PGA Zurich Classic and Essence Festival will be held in the coming months.
“That is an extraordinary run of events for a city that seven years ago was 15 feet under water and the last on every list in America that mattered.”
Meantime, Landrieu says, residents should expect some inconvenience during the next three weeks. Traffic will be rough at times. Trash may pile up.
“Be nice. Be courteous. Use common sense and be respectful. And the rest of it will take care of itself.”
Traffic closures and other updates will be posted throughout the coming weeks on the city's Super Bowl website.
