The New York Times published a piece on Friday covering the explosion of sports activity in New Orleans and the effect on the local economy. Here is a quick excerpt:
From Dec. 26 through Monday, the Superdome and the neighboring New Orleans Arena have hosted, or will host, nine sporting events. This includes two college football bowl games, including Monday night’s championship; three Saints games, including Saturday’s playoff contest against Detroit; and four N.B.A. matchups featuring the hometown Hornets.
This confluence of events, an athletic Mardi Gras of sorts, played out all over town. Crimson Tide fans waited for beignets at Café du Monde, while nearby a musician played jazz in a Saints sweatshirt. Lions supporters downed bottles of Abita at Bullet’s Sports Bar. Hotels turned on “no vacancy” signs and a parking garage downtown charged $100 a night.
While the publicity and tourism benefits to the city are unquestionable – at SBN headquarters we’re wondering what other types of entrepreneurship are popping up in response to the big crowds and fan fervor.
It’s not surprising that Louisiana is home to College Football’s Biggest Entrepreneur. Jared Loftus’ CollegeDistrict.com, TigerDistrict.com and SaintsDistrict.com are surely benefiting from the good seasons of LSU and the New Orleans Saints.
Locally, Fleurty Girl continues to show their Saints and Tiger pride and in 2011 opened a new store in the French Quarter to easily meet the demands of tourists and fans alike.
The spotlight on New Orleans and the big influx of fans with open wallets are an opportunity not to be missed. If you have a great idea but aren’t ready this time, be sure to be ready next year when New Orleans plays host to the Super Bowl.