Super Bowl LIX & Mardi Gras Security: What You Need to Know

New Orleans is used to hosting big events, but this week, the stakes are higher than ever. With Super Bowl LIX bringing in over 100,000 tourists, and Mardi Gras Season already in motion, city officials are on high alert. The tragic New Year’s Day attack, where a vehicle plowed into a Bourbon Street crowd, has forced officials to ramp up security like never before.So, how safe will you be? Here’s what to expect, what’s changing, and what locals need to know.

Security Will Be Tighter Than Ever
Authorities are rolling out an unprecedented security plan, bringing in local police, state troopers, the FBI, Homeland Security, and private security teams. The goal? Prevent another attack and keep Super Bowl festivities safe.

Expect to see:
✔ More police and SWAT teams patrolling Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, and the Superdome area.
✔ Random bag searches at key event locations.
✔ K-9 units sniffing for explosives and weapons.
✔ Undercover officers blending into the crowd.
✔ Drones banned across the city.

If you’re heading downtown, assume you’re on camera. Surveillance is at an all-time high, with AI-powered security monitoring suspicious behavior, crowd flow, and possible threats.

Related: Terror Strikes New Orleans
Major Street Closures & Traffic Nightmares
If you live or work downtown, expect traffic headaches all week.

Key closures include:
???? Superdome Area: Starting Monday, Feb. 3rd, streets around the Caesars Superdome will begin shutting down. By Friday, Feb. 7th, access is extremely limited.
???? French Quarter: Expect closures near Bourbon, Decatur, and Royal Streets, with limited vehicle access from Feb. 6th – Feb. 9th.
???? Canal Street: Major sections closed near the Saenger Theatre and major hotels.
???? Convention Center: Streets near the SuperBowl Fan Experience will face restrictions all week.

Pro Tip for Locals:
Use public transit or ride-sharing services.
Avoid driving downtown at all costs.
Plan ahead if you work in the area.
What You CAN’T Bring Downtown This Week
Authorities are strictly banning certain items in high-traffic areas:

⛔ Drones – If you own one, don’t even think about flying it this week. If caught, expect fines and possibly arrested.
⛔ Large bags & backpacks – If you’re heading to an event, pack light.
⛔ Coolers & glass bottles – They’ll be confiscated at security checkpoints.
⛔ Weapons & fireworks – You already know. Don’t try it.

Bottom line: If you’re heading out, travel light and prepare for security screenings.

Mardi Gras Continues—But Expect Changes

Locals’ Tip:
If you want the real Mardi Gras Energy, wait until after Feb. 9th when the full parade schedule resumes.
Avoid Bourbon Street on SuperBowl Sunday unless you like shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of drunk tourists.

So, Is New Orleans Safe This Week?
The good news: The security plan is strong, detailed, and includes the highest level of coordination we’ve seen in years. Officials know New Orleans can’t afford another security disaster.

The bad news: The NOPD is still short-staffed, and the mix of SuperBowl crowds + Mardi Gras energy + alcohol is unpredictable. The biggest risk isn’t terrorism—it’s drunk tourists making bad decisions.

For locals, expect some annoyances (longer waits, more checkpoints, and more tourists getting lost in your neighborhood). But if you plan ahead and stay alert, you can still enjoy the festivities safely.

Final Word: What You Should Do
✔ Give yourself extra time if you’re heading downtown.
✔ Use public transportation or ride sharing to avoid the nightmare of parking.
✔ Follow the rules—don’t bring banned items, don’t fly drones, and don’t get caught up in chaos.
✔ If you see something, say something.

New Orleans is about to pull off one of the biggest logistical challenges in its history. Whether it’s a success or a disaster depends on how well we all play along.

Stay smart, stay safe, and let’s show the world how New Orleans does it.