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New Orleans leaders concerned about city’s College Football Playoff future
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
The Sugar Bowl is one of the most iconic bowls in the history of college football with its 90th anniversary coming up soon. However, New Orleans leaders are concerned about the city’s future regarding the hosting of College Football Playoff contests, according to NOLA.com.
During an appearance on the field from Caesars Superdome, the Sugar Bowl Committee tried to drum up financial support from roughly 250 New Orleans civic leaders and business owners.
The Sugar Bowl is currently in the rotation for the CFP. Yet with the new 12-team format slated for the 2024-25 season, there’s worry about the possibility of more games after hosting the quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025.
“We don’t know how much we will need yet,” Sugar Bowl Committee CEO Jeff Hundley said. “But we have been told that the cost to play is going up.”
It appears Nashville and Las Vegas are looming threats to take the place of New Orleans.
“We will begin negotiating this spring to compete for 2027,” Hundley said. “We cannot currently compete. That is why we are working on this.”
The Sugar Bowl has been a financial boon to the local economy across the years. The committee notes the game has helped generate over $2.4 billion in direct and indirect spending to the local area throughout the last decade.
Businessman Barry Kern understands the challenge ahead but believes New Orleans offers an unrivaled atmosphere for visitors and fans.
“But I think we can pull together and do it,” Kern said. “We can compete on other things. We do a great parade, the way we entertain, the way you can walk to and from the Dome to anywhere. Those are things other cities cannot do.”
