On a recent visit to New Orleans I decided to check out the Mercedez-Benz Superdome -- the home stadium of the Saints NFL team and the largest fixed dome structure in the world. The Big Easy loves their Saints, especially after winning the 2010 Super Bowl. One of the first things passengers arriving at Louis Armstrong International Airport see is a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy engraved with the Saints 2010 Super Bowl victory next to the Saints store.
The stadium opened in 1975 and has hosted many memorable sporting events. However, the stadium is also known for housing thousands of flood-ravaged New Orleans residents during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many of whom suffered tremendously and some of whom died. But New Orleans has been rebuilding since that fateful storm and is stronger and better prepared for the next Katrina.
I walked around the entire exterior of the Superdome and from every angle it is a sight to behold. There is a massive gathering place for concerts and outdoor events next to the stadium facing the downtown skyline and there are statues lining the outdoor area including a really special statue there called "Rebirth" that features the moment Steve Gleason blocked a punt that symbolized the rebirth of the city after Katrina. Gleason is currently battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Right next door to the Superdome is Smoothie King Center, which is the home arena of the New Orlenas Pelicans. Both the arena and stadium are part of the entertainment complex and it is easy to walk between the two venues.
Here are more pictures of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center:
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