On Sunday 9th of February 2025, all eyes will be on Caesars Superdome as football’s most electrifying and anticipated night of the year kicks off – but in New Orleans, the Big Game is just the grand finale of an extraordinary long weekend. The Crescent City is rolling out the red carpet and pulling out all the stops for an epic celebration that blends the thrill of football with the city’s signature flair for food, music, and unique experiences.
Whether you’re coming for the action on the field or the opulence of it, arriving in style on a private jet or group charter flight with Air Partner will set the tone for an unforgettable trip. With extensive experience, unrivaled industry relationships, and the ability to secure coveted aircraft and airport slots even during periods of peak demand, Air Partner ensures your journey is as seamless and luxurious as the weekend itself. Here, we’ll explore the crème de la crème of what New Orleans has to offer. From helicopter tours and haute cuisine to glittering galas, jazz performances in storied venues, and glamorous evenings spent sipping Sazeracs, it’s time to immerse yourself in the ultimate Big Easy extravaganza.
Fine Dining and Culinary Adventures
New Orleans is a melting pot of culinary influences, where French, Creole, Cajun, Italian, and Southern flavors tantalize taste buds at every turn. So much so that deciding where to dine during Big Game Weekend may be the toughest challenge. For quintessential Louisiana charm and ‘New Haute Creole’ cuisine, Commander’s Palace is a must-visit. Or, if a sleek, modern vibe paired with succulent steaks is more your style, Doris Metropolitan delivers in spades. Meanwhile, lovers of inventive takes on bayou classics will savor the refined creations at Restaurant R’evolution.
For a deeper dive into the city’s gastronomic soul, book a private cooking class to master the art of gumbo or po’boy under the tutelage of a top chef, or take a guided food tour for exclusive tastings at hidden gems across the French Quarter. Cap off your culinary exploration with the Taste of the NFL event on Saturday 8th of February. Promising to be a star-studded evening of great food and giving back, this is the hottest ticket in town for football-loving foodies.
Musical Experiences
No trip to the birthplace of jazz is complete without soaking up some of its swing, soul, and spirit at a live performance. Begin your journey on Frenchman Street, the city’s vibrant music mecca, where intimate clubs line the street, and impromptu jam sessions spill onto sidewalks. Then, for a dose of history and pure magic, head to Preservation Hall in the French Quarter, where, behind its unassuming façade, you’ll find one of the world’s most iconic jazz venues. Here, the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band channels the genre’s golden era, performing three to five sets per day to a maximum of 100 guests at a time. Alternatively, for a more upscale setting, The Jazz Playhouse offers a luxurious ambiance, world-class performances, and expertly crafted cocktails, making it the perfect spot for discerning travelers seeking sophistication and soul.
Event organizers are also throwing some impressive concerts and club nights in the run-up to the Big Game. The first of which is The Soulful Celebration concert, which will take place on Wednesday 5th of February before streaming later in the week, and will see NFL legends and award-winning musical artists take to the stage for an evening of joy and celebration. To be part of the live audience, we recommend securing your tickets as soon as possible.
Other highly sought-after tickets include the Shaq’s Fun House event, hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, which will take place on Friday 7th of February at Mardi Gras World. Billed as being ‘part music festival, part carnival, part circus’, this lively affair will feature performances from John Summit and Ludacris and promises a stylish slew of celebrity attendees. Or, if Dom Dolla and Diplo sets are more your thing, secure your VIP table at the exclusive ‘SI The Party’ hosted by Sports Illustrated on Saturday 8th of February.
Cultural and Historical Tours
As a city steeped in history and brimming with culture, New Orleans offers endless attractions for culture connoisseurs. Start with the city’s world-class museums, from the powerful stories of The National WWII Museum to the vibrant Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the cutting-edge Contemporary Arts Centre. Or, for classic elegance, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art and its enchanting Sculpture Garden in City Park.
As Big Game Weekend takes place during Mardi Gras season, be sure to sample king cake (and lots of it!) and pay a visit to Mardi Gras World, where you can watch artists and sculptors bring their elaborate floats to life.
The Louisiana Culture Festival, part of the Big Game festivities, will take place at the French Market on the 7th and 8th of February, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the cultures of the Pelican State. Expect unique booths, dance demonstrations, live jazz and zydeco performances, crafts, storytelling corners, regional cooking, and activations by local Native American tribes.
Or, for a glimpse into Louisiana’s past, take a private guided tour of the grand Oak Alley or Houmas House Plantations. And, of course, be sure to marvel at the imposing St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest in the United States.
Super Bowl Experience at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
From the 5th to the 8th of February, the Super Bowl Experience will transform the Convention Center into a football fan’s dream. This immersive event offers interactive games, skill challenges, themed exhibits, meet-and-greets with past and current NFL stars, and photo opportunities with the Lombardi Trophy and all 58 rings.
Host Committee Parade
New Orleans does parades better than almost any other city on earth, so it’s no surprise to see one in the weekend’s event line-up. Taking place from 10 a.m. on the 8th of February, this Mardi Gras-style celebration will feature football-themed floats, performances from local dance groups and marching bands, and an impressive line-up of celebrity guests and athletes. The parade will start at the corner of Esplanade and Decatur before making its way through the French Quarter to the Warehouse District.
Helicopter & Boat Excursions
Taking to the skies or the water is a great way to savor the city’s sights. For a luxurious journey on the Mississippi River, indulge in a private charter complete with live music, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking views. Or, for those who crave a wilder experience, a private airboat adventure through the swamps offers an up-close look at Louisiana’s untamed beauty. Glide through lush bayous, spotting alligators, turtles, herons, and pelicans as your expert guide tells you all about this unique ecosystem.
Located near some of the deepest parts of the coastal Gulf of Mexico, the area surrounding New Orleans is a bucket list deep-sea fishing destination for many. The winter months are ideal for catching tuna, swordfish, speckled trout, and redfish, so a day on the water will delight any keen angler.
Or, for a bird’s-eye view of Caesars Superdome, the French Quarter, City Park, and the winding Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands, opt for a private helicopter charter.
NOLA’s Chicest Shopping Spots
One-of-a-kind antiques, fabulous art finds, and sought-after designer pieces are all on offer in this eclectic city, making it a popular destination for shoppers. For luxury lovers, a trip to Canal Place, home to one of Saks Fifth Avenue’s top flagship stores, is a must. As is a visit to the elegant boutiques of Magazine Street, where you’ll find the likes of upmarket concept store Pilot and Powell, designer boutique Joseph, homeware haunt Hazelnut, and jewelry haven Mignon Faget.
New Orleans is also world-renowned for its art and antique scene, and a tour of the city’s finest galleries and antique shops with a personal curator will likely end in you adding some incredible pieces to your collection. But, if you only have time for one location, make it M.S. Rau on Royal Street. Here, you’ll find some of the rarest pieces in the world - from Van Gogh paintings to multi-million-dollar rings and even a signed Super Bowl XXXVI Commemorative Football.
Exquisite Residences
After delightful days spent exploring the Big Easy and a thrilling evening at the Big Game, you’ll be in need of plush accommodation in which to unwind or continue the party. Whether you opt for a high-end hotel, a chic boutique retreat, or a private mansion, New Orleans’ top-tier options will not disappoint. While rooms are undeniably hard to come by for the Big Game, the sumptuous Four Seasons New Orleans, lavish Ritz-Carlton, and magnificent Maison Métier are favorites for a reason, and all provide convenient access to Caesars Superdome.
Touchdown in Style with Air Partner
With the ideal aircraft for any flight range or group size and specialist Account Managers ready to curate a personalized Big Game itinerary for you, Air Partner ensures your journey is seamless, luxurious, and expertly tailored to your needs. Backed by over six decades of experience, exceptional industry relationships, and a global network of experts, we are ideally placed to secure you the perfect aircraft and airport slots. To discuss your Big Game travel requirements, contact our expert Private Jets or Group Charter team today.
Fly privately to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW), Hammond Northshore Regional Airport (HDC), or Slidell Airport (ASD).
