The NFL are planning to significantly increase security measures for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans following the deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day.
The attack, which involved a vehicle driven into a crowd, has prompted a heightened security alert for the Super Bowl, an event that typically attracts over 125,000 visitors.
Security measures will be taken very seriously, with a heavy focus on perimeter security and crowd control.
Speaking on the decision, Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security in New Orleans said: “We’ve increased our security posture significantly so that people can come here, they can see a strong law enforcement presence.
“You’ll see plenty of uniformed people but there are going to be lots of plainclothes people in the crowds too. We want people to know that.
“In response to that lone wolf attack, which he agreed is a difficult threat to account for, law enforcement has added intelligence analysts to watch for potential threats.”
The NFL and federal law enforcement are increasing security for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in response to the New Year’s Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that killed 14 people, per @TishaESPN:https://t.co/81DnwOP3KS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2025
The Super Bowl, labelled as a ‘Tier One’ event, receives support from numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
However, securing an entire city during Super Bowl week presents a significant challenge.
Law enforcement agencies are encouraging public vigilance and urging citizens to report any suspicious activity.
Security planners are also learning from past incidents, including the Boston Marathon bombing and the shooting at the 2023 Super Bowl parade in Kansas City.
“It’s not like that in a city like New Orleans, where the Super Bowl is at the Superdome, two miles away is the convention centre where the NFL fan experience is going, and another mile and a half is the NFL Honors at Saenger Theater,” said DeLaune.
“A lot of times people are intimidated by the process of reporting things because they’re concerned they’re going to look foolish if it turns out to be nothing.
“We’re not concerned about that. We want you to know if you see something that concerns you, if there’s something odd or different, speak up. Let us know.”
