New Orleans
Super Bowl XLVII coming to New Orleans in 2013
Local officials in New Orleans hope the arrival of Super Bowl XLVII next February (2013) will finally allow the Big Easy to breathe easy again as it continues to rebuild from Katrina’s wrath. The Super Bowl will be preceded by the NCAA men's Final Four this year, and will be followed by the women's Final Four in 2013. The combined economic impact of the events is expected to exceed $1 billion. Full article.
LSU’s Coach ready for Alabama championship game
Moments before the LSU-Alabama game on Nov. 5, LSU Coach Les Miles delivered another infamous speech he called "Bring the Wood." Now, he’s once again setting the bar for his players as they get radey to play Alabama – this time for the championship in New Orleans. Full article.
Superdome to get new light show
The Superdome in New Orleans will soon debut a lighting ceremony to showcase the capabilities of the its new light system. The lighting will be similar to the temporary system that was in place for the 2006 "Monday Night Football" reopening of the Superdome and the first post-9/11 Super Bowl in 2002. Full article.
Avondale Shipyard could become a commercial facility
Senator Landrieu and Congressman Richmond recently indicated that the U.S. Navy has cleared the way for any federal money to convert the Avondale military shipyard near New Orleans to new uses to be applied to possible new commercial tenants. Plans are to close the yard upon completion of its final military ship contract. Full article.
Top business leaders to participate in Louisiana CEO Forum
Some of Louisiana's top business leaders will participate in the Louisiana CEO Forum, hosted by 10/12 magazine on Aug. 24 in New Orleans. Participants include CEO’s from Greater New Orleans Inc., Ochsner Health Systems; Transoceanic Trading and Development; Cox Louisiana; and Turbosquid. Full article.
Superdome’s 6-year transformation nearly complete
SMG vice president Doug Thornton, whose company runs the state-owned stadium, says a $336 million, multiphase transformation during six years since Hurricane Katrina has the dome ready to host and bid for major national events. The dome is scheduled to host the next BCS national championship and NCAA men’s basketball Final Four, along with the Super Bowl in 2013. Full article.
Shaw-built storm protection barrier nearly complete
A massive surge barrier designed and built by The Shaw Group to shield New Orleans from devastating storms reached its milestone of providing 100-year storm protection to the region. The Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge Barrier, which is 26 feet high and two miles long, is nearly complete, just in time for the 2011 hurricane season. Full article.
Bigger plans for World War II Museum
The new Restoration Pavilion opened Memorial Day weekend at the National World War II Museum, and organizers are preparing for future stages of a $300 million expansion project. Bob Farnsworth, the museum's senior vice president for capital programs” "We are building one of the great, great museums of the world." Full article.
Workforce deficiency feared
New Orleans consistently bested the nation in terms of job creation and unemployment levels in recent years, and local business leaders say they are beginning to worry that there is a growing incongruity in the types of jobs available and the people looking for work, and predict a challenge with middle-management positions. Full article.
Saints coach “Business as usual”
Parts of the normal NFL offseason have been put on hold by the lockout, but New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said it’s still “business as usual” on Airline Drive. The Saints are preparing for next month’s draft, the start of free agency, whenever that is, and ultimately the 2011 season. Assuming, of course, that there is one. Full article.
