Never in the history of US stadiums has a facility been so heavily damaged and rebuilt so quickly. Paul Griesemer of Ellerbe Becket – sports consultant to the Superdome renovation team – will present “Rebirth of the Crescent City: A Nation’s Focus on the Superdome” here today at the Stadium Managers Association annual meeting.

The architectural team, SMG and the Superdome Commission conceived a plan in the aftermath of the hurricanes to make significant upgrades, a plan that has made the Superdome “better than ever,” according to Griesemer.

The building underwent a three-step, $185 million remediation process in which 1) the structure and equipment were assessed; 2) the contents were cleaned and repaired; and 3) all building systems were re-commissioned. In addition, the roof was replaced.

Final finishes and enhancements are to be completed by July of this year. New additions such as updated scoreboards and video boards, enhanced suites and club spaces and concessions will keep the building competitive for years to come.

The Superdome is home to the NFL New Orleans Saints, the Tulane University football team, the annual Bayou Classic, the Sugar Bowl, the Essence Music Festival, as well as corporate meetings, banquets, trade shows and concerts. In addition to next year's Sugar Bowl, the Superdome will host the BCS National Championship Football Game.

An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, interiors, engineering and the construction industry with office locations worldwide.

Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com