BATON ROUGE — With Super Bowl LIX just 11 days away, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has outlined the state’s plan for enhanced security in New Orleans.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs is set to take place on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome.
Landry issued an executive order amending the State of Emergency he declared on January 1 following the terrorist attack in the French Quarter. The attack left 14 people dead and 57 injured when Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street. The FBI reported that improvised explosive devices were found inside coolers scattered throughout the French Quarter.
MORE: New insights into how Bourbon Street attacker planned New Orleans assault
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As part of the new Super Bowl LIX security measures, checkpoints will be set up at all entrances to the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone. This zone encompasses a rectangular section of the French Quarter from St. Ann Street to Canal Street and from Dauphine Street to Royal Street, with Bourbon Street at its center.
Coolers and ice chests are banned within the FQESZ, and bags larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ will be subject to search before entry. These restrictions are a direct response to the IEDs discovered during the January 1 attack.
On Wednesday, Landry emphasized that these security measures are necessary to balance public safety with individual freedoms, ensuring that Super Bowl LIX proceeds smoothly.
“Super Bowl LIX is the perfect opportunity to showcase New Orleans as the world class city it is,” Landry said. “In order to do this, we must prioritize the safety of every single visitor and resident in the city. Today’s action demonstrates the commitment of federal, state, and local officials to make sure the Super Bowl flows seamlessly and safely. These security measures were put in place to balance the security of everyone with the freedoms we all enjoy in this country.”
New steel barriers have been installed at the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal Street, near the memorial for the victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack. These wedge barriers are similar to those used at high-profile locations such as the White House and major events in Washington, D.C.
Reports indicate that the barriers are tested to withstand vehicles traveling at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour—significantly more robust than the previous barriers used in the French Quarter.
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