The Super Bowl XLVII has brought a variety of sports media events to New Orleans, but did you know the festivities also feature a full lineup of local musicians?
Super Bowl Boulevard, an event sponsored by Verizon, brings some of the biggest names of the New Orleans music scene together to celebrate the 47th annual Super Bowl. Four stages have been set up in Woldenberg Park along the Riverfront to host this fan-friendly event. Free and open to the public, Super Bowl Boulevard features live music from local artists, popular food vendors, and live broadcasts from major television networks. The event opened on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. and will run daily until 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.
Some of the most anticipated acts include those from local musicians such as Bonerama, Stooges Brass Band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Papa Grows Funk, Soul Rebels and Rebirth Brass Band. Local food vendors include Loretta’s, Walker’s BBQ and the Praline Connection.
Some students have exhibited mixed feelings about Super Bowl events. While it will invite traffic from both locals and tourists, it may also slow down the city’s efficiency due to an overload of people and cars. However, sociology senior Mary Mikuls said that locals are more than accustomed to chaos.
“It is going to be crazy but it has nothing on Mardi Gras. New Orleans locals are used to festivals and street parties that can be inconvenient. If anything, the preparation of the streetcar lines and roads before the Super Bowl will be more annoying than the actual event,” Mikuls said.
Other students said the event may serve to help the city’s image. Mass communication senior Natalia Matallana says that she believes the event may also boost specific areas of economy.
“I believe that tourists don’t see New Orleans in a sports light. This will most likely help the sports-related businesses of New Orleans to bloom,” Matallana said.
Streetcar lines will be running throughout the weekend, making Super Bowl Boulevard accessible to students.
Olivia Lueckemeyer can be reached at [email protected]
