By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed. D.
The Super Bowl is arguably the biggest sporting event in America, and some would say in the world. The buildup to it happens all year long– because football at all levels is always talked about by sports commentators.
For example, National Signing Day for high school players was held Wednesday, February 5. The transfer portal and NIL agreements are discussed without cease.
At the end of last year’s Super Bowl, television announcers began talking about the 2025 Super Bowl. A Louisiana committee attended the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas as they received the mantle and official go-ahead for Super Bowl LIX.
The city of New Orleans began planning for the Super Bowl since the announcement it would be the host. This was the 11th time that the city hosted this premier event.
If you live here like I do, you get to see first-hand that New Orleans does a lot of hosting. Its hospitality is second to none.
One New Orleans official said that the city was built for hosting the Super Bowl. That statement has been affirmed by the NFL.
Think about it. New Orleans hosts Mardi Gras, The Essence Festival, The Jazz Festival and The Bayou Classic.
There is always a festival or a convention that brings people from all parts of the world to the Crescent City.
The city focused on providing visitors with a superb Super Bowl experience.
All the carpets of goodwill and good cheer were rolled out. New Orleans is a friendly and welcoming city. The smiles and high fives are authentic.
It didn’t matter if you were a Philadelphia Eagles fan or a Kansas City Chiefs fan, fun and fellowship happened in abundance during this special week.
As we were driving with a great view of the Super Dome, I said, this place is going to be rocking and rolling in the coming days. I was right.
When the Super Bowl schedule was released, my wife and I decided to attend a few of the events.
Our excitement piqued as Super Bowl LIX week was just a few days away.
Our first event was the Super Bowl opening night held at the Super Dome.
We arrived two hours before the start of the evening’s activities. Going into the Dome for this historic occasion was just amazing. I never thought I would have this opportunity.
There were players and coach’s interviews along with pictures being taken.
The famous St. Augustine High School March Band performed to the delight of the fans.
Cheerleaders cheering and fans being fans made the atmosphere electric.
We came home pleasantly exhausted and looked forward to our next outing. We also had tickets for the NFL Fan Experience on Thursday night, at the Ernest Morial Convention Center where we took pictures with the Super Bowl Trophy and saw past Super Bowl championship rings.
The Grambling State University Marching Band gave a wonderful performance for the fans as well.
The National Football League also recognized the contributions of players, coaches and employees at HBCUs.
An HBCU exhibit featured football helmets from all the HBCUs. I was able to take a picture of my alma mater, Johnson C. Smith University’s, helmet.
Wilson Sporting Goods showed the crowd how to make a football with Reggie Bush, a former Heisman Trophy winner, participating.
Saturday was the Super Bowl parade, and it was wonderful. Todd Graves, founder and CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, was the parade king. It was a fitting celebration. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.
Dr. James B. Ewers, Jr. is a long-time educator who hails from Winston Salem, N.C. Ewers is a life member of the NAACP and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login