Super Bowl LIX injects $1.25 billion into Louisiana’s economy

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Super Bowl LIX drew thousands of visitors to New Orleans, bringing in $1.25 billion to the state’s economy.

Officials reported it was the second most financially impactful Super Bowl of all time and double the impact of the last time the game was hosted in the Crescent City in 2013. New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson credits success to the work done in the public and private sectors.

“Despite this event taking place just weeks after the New Year’s terrorist attack, Gov. Landry promised these events would be safe and delivered every health and safety resource at his disposal to keep his promise,” Benson said. Landry was supposed to be in attendance at the news conference but was not due to a “pressing matter” at the Louisiana State Capitol.

Security was upgraded to prepare for the influx of tourists. Hundreds of National Guardsmen were deployed, bags were searched at checkpoints near Bourbon Street, and security perimeters were placed near the Superdome.

The total number of visitors was 115,000, which included 100,000 from outside of Louisiana who were in the city for the week of the Super Bowl.

The Louisiana Economic Development released data from an LSU study on how the NFL’s biggest event impacted the economy. Here’s a look at some of the numbers:

• $1.25 billion in total statewide economic impact.
• $658 million in total spending by visitors and vendors.
• $359 million in wages were generated for workers in the state.
• $82.7 million in state and local tax revenue.

“Super Bowl LIX was a tremendous success for New Orleans and all of Louisiana,” Landry said in a statement. “Hosting the Super Bowl is so much more than a football game. It’s an opportunity to drive an economic impact that is both immediate and long-term. We seized the opportunity to showcase Louisiana, and we scored huge!”

This was New Orleans’ 11th time hosting the Super Bowl. The city’s preparations included $70 million in infrastructure and beautification projects. GNO, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht said planning showed what can be done with local and state leadership that is “strong, united.”

“By hosting its record-tying eleventh Super Bowl shortly after a national tragedy, the Big Easy showed us the power of coming together to achieve a common goal,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “This impact report is the latest reminder that the Super Bowl is more than a game; it’s an economic engine that supports local businesses and residents, strengthening the host city and state.”

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in the Big Game on Feb. 9, 2025. Nearly 128 million watched the game, the highest viewership in over a decade.

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