The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is "preparing for the first step" in its $450M, multiyear makeover "intended to spruce up the stadium" in time for Super Bowl LVIII in '24, according to Jeff Adelson of NOLA.com. Superdome GM Alan Freeman said that work "won't really begin until next week, after crews have finished cutting, rolling and removing the turf from the Superdome's cement floor." ASM Global runs the venue, and ASM Dir of Business Operations Evan Holmes said that employees are "starting to move out of offices that are in the way of the work." Workers will begin with the "demolition of the east and west ramps" that bring fans in and out for major events. Those concrete ramps will be "replaced by stairs as part of a plan to open up the concourses and add more room for amenities." Crews will spend the coming months "'surgically' cutting up and removing the east and west ramps, leaving a void that will be blocked off with temporary walls by the time preparations for the annual Essence Festival begin in June." More minor work will "continue after the summer and through the coming football season, with another sprint after next year's football season is over." Holmes said that throughout the project, all the work will be "confined to the interior of the building" (NOLA.com, 1/14).
