The Green Wave football team returned "Back Home in the 'Dome" for the 2006 season after a year in hiatus because of Hurricane Katrina. Tulane's history in the big building stretches over more than three decades--back to when the Dome opened in 1975.

A new and improved Superdome awaited the Green Wave's return, on September 30, 2006. Once the symbol of the storm, with the world watching while Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, the Superdome has emerged as the icon of the city's rebirth, symbolic of the spirit of those citizens who are returning and rebuilding.

Making the Superdome "Football ready" was the first phase of a massive renovation, and a phase that was completed in a mere seven months.

The $185-million renovation project included new video boards, scoreboard, LED "ribbon" boards, sound system, remodeling of all concession stats, new seats and suites, and a new playing surface.

The Dome was "rechristened" in front of a sellout crowd, a national television audience on Monday Night Football September 25, 2006, as the New Orleans Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the highest-rated ESPN broadcast of all-time, featuring a pre-game performance from U2 and Green Day.

In its second quarter-century of operation, the Superdome has lived up to its billing as "A Monument to Man's Imagination." A fitting tribute to those who dreamed and persevered, the Superdome has more than satisfied the bold statement made by the State of Louisiana that New Orleans was ready to provide a stage for the world.

The Superdome has captured the attention of millions and remains the pre-eminent domed facility in the world. Those who dared to build the world-class stadium, arena and convention center under one roof have seen it succeed beyond expectations for all three purposes.

It all began as a dream in the mind of one man, New Orleans businessman and Tulane alum Dave Dixon. After much discussion, planning, controversy and lobbying, a constitutional amendment put before the Louisiana Legislature to build the Superdome was passed in 1966. Construction began in August 1971, and the Superdome officially opened its doors on Aug. 3, 1975, featuring the world's largest steel-constructed room unobstructed by posts. It was also the first privately-managed, publicly-owned arena.

Tulane and Ole Miss played the first college football game in the Superdome on Sept. 20, 1975, and since that time the facility has been the home of Green Wave football, as well as the annual "Bayou Classic" game between Southern and Grambling. Two college football bowl games - the Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic and the Wyndham New Orleans Bowl - are annually held in the facility.

The awesome size and inspiring beauty of the Superdome are unsurpassed, but it is the facility's versatility that sets the Superdome far above all other stadiums.

The Superdome has played host to more Super Bowls (six) than any other stadium, and New Orleans has served as host more times (nine) than any other city. In 2003, the 'Dome was the site of the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four for the fourth time, and played host to college football's Bowl Championship Series final game for the second time in January 2004 at the then-NOKIA Sugar Bowl.

The Superdome added another milestone to its annals in April 2002 when a then-NCAA record 27,673 fans showed up to watch the Green Wave and arch-rival LSU do battle on the baseball diamond.

Also home to the NFL's New Orleans Saints and the Louisiana High School football championships, the Superdome is recognized world-wide as a titan among sporting venues. But the Superdome is much more than a sports venue.

The building annually hosts a wide variety of annual events (see box) that make it an essential partner in the tourist economy of the city. Consider these other "super" events:

With events such as these and many others, it is no wonder that the facility has realized an economic impact of more than $4.6 billion in its nearly 30 years of operation, far exceeding all projections, while putting New Orleans "on the map" as a destination for huge events, especially in the sports arena.

One of the arena's greatest qualities is its location in the heart of New Orleans' Central Business District, just minutes from hotels, shopping, restaurants and close to nearly all parts of the city, from the Tulane campus in uptown New Orleans to the French Quarter. The convenience and proximity of the Superdome, while still offering adequate parking, sets it apart from many buildings of its kind.

Movable stands, giant screen television and removable turf are just a few of the features that further distinguish the Superdome as the largest "people place" in the history of mankind.

While other multipurpose mega-arenas have grown outmoded, the Superdome has been maintained and improved. It is a state-of-the-art facility with a future as brilliant and limitless as its past.

Hurricane Katrina added a new chapter in the history of the Superdome, just as it changed everything throughout the Gulf Coast. The colorful legacy of the Dome remains--an incredible variety of events; a building and a city with a strong resume of big-time sports; a magnificent edifice exulting the pride of Louisianans.

"Super"latives

Construction Began................................... Aug. 11, 1971
Facility Opened....................................... Aug. 3, 1975
First College Football Game......................... Sept. 20, 1975
............................................. Tulane 14, Ole Miss 3
Height.................................................... 273 feet
Diameter of Dome.......................................... 680 feet
Area of Roof............................................. 9.7 acres
Interior Space...............................125,000,000 cubic feet
Total square footage............................... 269,000 sq. ft.
Main Arena......................................... 166,180 sq. ft.
Convention Concourse................................ 76,711 sq. ft.
Concrete...................................... 169,000 cubic yards.
Structural Steel....................................... 20,000 tons
Electrical Wiring........................................ 400 miles
Artificial Turf...................................... Momentum Turf

Total Land Area: 52 acres, including building, garages, and grounds
Convention/Meeting Rooms: 52, consisting of four main ballrooms, each divisible into six separate rooms; 28 reception rooms.
Private Box Suites: 137
Parking Capacity: 5,000 cars & 250 buses
Maximum Seating Capacity: football 69,703; expanded football 72,003; basketball 55,675; baseball 63,525
Press Seating: 334 (football & baseball press boxes, and 11 broadcast/spotting booths)
Artificial Turf: Momentum by SportExe (60,000 sq. feet)

'DOME EVENTS
Over the years, the Louisiana Superdome has been the site of thousands of events. Here is a list of just a few of the major sporting events and annual gatherings that are held in the Superdome:

MAJOR SPORTS EVENTS

ANNUAL EVENTS