Caesars New Orleans Remodel Finished as Taylor Swift Arrives in Big Easy

Posted on: October 21, 2024, 08:43h. 

Last updated on: October 21, 2024, 11:13h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Caesars New Orleans is ready for its grand unveiling nearly four years after the Big Easy downtown casino began the massive undertaking of rebranding and redeveloping the Harrah’s property. The long-awaited debut of the luxurious Caesars-themed destination comes just in time for Taylor Swift’s arrival at the nearby Caesars Superdome.

Caesars New Orleans Taylor Swift
The transformation of Harrah’s New Orleans to Caesars New Orleans is complete. The property overhaul comes just in time for the arrival of Taylor Swift, who is playing three shows this weekend at the New Orleans Superdome. (Image: Yelp)

New Orleans’ only land-based casino, Caesars Entertainment struck a deal with state lawmakers in 2019 to extend the company’s gaming license through 2054 in exchange for a minimum investment of $325 million in property upgrades. Caesars soon after announced it would spend that money by constructing a 15-story, 340-room hotel with two distinct brands and a full renovation and rebranding of the existing structure into Caesars.

The entire 115K-square-foot casino featuring 1,300 slot machines and 120 live dealer table games has been upgraded, with a new World Series of Poker Room and Caesars Sportsbook the gaming area’s newest amenities.

The 5,000-square-foot poker room has 20 tables while the sportsbook has a 147-foot wall display and seating for 178 guests. The popular climate-controlled outdoor smoking lounge with 120 slots wasn’t overlooked either.

As for the hotel, the Nobu brand occupies the two lowest floors featuring 54 rooms and 12 suites. 

New ‘Era’

On Tuesday, Caesars New Orleans will take down the remaining construction fencing and bring to a close its $435 million project, an investment that ballooned by more than $100 million because of inflation.

Caesars’ big bet on the Big Easy arrives at a most opportune time, as tens of thousands of visitors are descending on New Orleans for this weekend’s Swift shows at the Superdome. Swift brings her “Eras Tour” to the Caesars Superdome for shows this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Caesars acquired the 20-year naming rights to the storied home of the NFL New Orleans Saints in July 2021 for $138 million. Mercedes-Benz had sponsored the multipurpose enclosed stadium for the previous decade.

More than 150K fans are expected to pack the Superdome during Swift’s three engagements this weekend. With many of those fans being escorted by their parents, some of whom will seek a little nightlife and entertainment for themselves before and after the concert, Caesars New Orleans, less than a mile south of the stadium, is charging exorbitant rates for its remaining rooms.

While a room for tonight is just $185, come Friday, the same room starts at $1,099. After taxes and fees, including a $19.99 resort fee, the total fare comes to $1,282.68.

As Casino.org reported, analysts at JPMorgan believe Caesars’ operational performance is primed for a boost from Swift’s engagements in New Orleans. 

Super Calendar 

Once the “Swifties” depart, Caesars New Orleans and the city will begin focusing on the Superdome’s hosting of the 2025 Super Bowl. The big game is set for February 9.

Super Bowl LIX will be the eighth time the NFL championship game is played in the Superdome. New Orleans is among the NFL’s rotation of host cities for the Super Bowl, which additionally includes Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Atlanta, San Francisco, and, most recently, Las Vegas.