City of New Orleans, NORD Commission celebrates Super Bowl LIX turf installation at Lafitte Greenway football field – Crescent City Sports

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration and the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commision hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Super Bowl LIX Turf Relocation Project. The ceremony took place at the Lafitte Greenway (Lemann Playground) Football Field, one of several NORD sites upgraded with professional-grade turf donated by the National Football League (NFL) and City Bond funding.

The event also recognized turf installations at Joe Brown Baseball Stadium, Perry Roehm Baseball Stadium, and future placement at Larry Gilbert Stadium, marking a significant milestone in the City’s ongoing efforts to expand equitable access to high-quality recreational facilities for youth throughout New Orleans.

“This field is more than new turf, it’s a symbol of what our young people deserve,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Safe, high-quality spaces to dream big, develop their talents, and build community. Investments like this show our commitment to equity, access, and the future of New Orleans.”

The NFL donated the Super Bowl LIX turf to the City of New Orleans, which was then reinstalled at multiple youth sports facilities. NORD coordinated the installation, transforming community playgrounds into fields that met NCAA standards, accessibility requirements, and supported year-round use.
The project included:
• Installation of a permeable surface with integrated stormwater drainage
• Safe, flexible play surfaces suitable for various youth sports
• Upgraded functionality for daytime and nighttime activity
• Use of existing playground geometry and lighting infrastructure
“This new turf at the Lafitte Greenway is more than just a field, it’s a game changer for our kids,” said Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of NORD Commission. “Thanks to the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, our young athletes get to play on the same turf that hosted some of the best in the game during Super Bowl LIX. It’s an incredible gift that not only upgrades the playing experience but also shows our commitment to giving the youth of New Orleans top-notch spaces to play, grow, and shine.”

The Super Bowl LIX Turf Relocation Project was a collaborative effort led by the City of New Orleans Capital Projects Administration and NORD, in partnership with the Super Bowl Host Commitee and the NFL. The installation was completed by Turf Alliance Inc., a nationally recognized contractor specializing in high-performance athletic fields.

“The impact of Super Bowl LIX goes much further than just the game at the Caesars Superdome,” said Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and Super Bowl LIX Host Committee. “The Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Sports Foundation, has a responsibility to ensure the influence of the game lasts beyond the final whistle. This partnership with the NFL and the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission repurposes the actual Super Bowl game turf, extending the life of four of our public parks and providing our community with unique places to play.”

In addition to the donated turf, the $2.75 million project was funded through City Bonds. The work included major upgrades at four youth sports sites, ensuring surfaces meet NCAA standards, improve stormwater drainage, and support year-round use for competitive play.

“Capital Projects is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this historic public/private partnership with the NFL and the New Orleans Saints,” said Vincent Smith, Director of Capital Projects. “The relocation of the Super Bowl turf to City sports fields enhances the condition of those facilities and provides our citizens with quality recreational opportunities.”

Louisiana State Senator Royce Duplessis of District 5 allocated $100,000 towards the purchase of new sporting equipment for the Lemann, Hardin, Harrell, Rosenwald, Hunters Field, Lyons, Taylor, A.L. Davis, Conrad, and Treme playgrounds. The funding enhanced athletic programs and recreational opportunities for youth across New Orleans.

“I’m proud to support this project that brings high-quality, donated turf to our community playgrounds,” said Councilmember Eugene Green, District D. “These improvements will create safer, more accessible, and modern spaces for youth sports while promoting year-round activity and development. I thank the NFL, the City, NORDC, and all partners for investing in the future of our young people.”

“Access to quality athletic facilities is more than a luxury- it is a foundation for opportunity, discipline, and community pride,” said Councilmember Oliver Thomas, District E. “The NFL’s donation of football turf to the City of New Orleans for NORD facilities is a powerful investment in our youth and neighborhoods. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to leveling the playing field, both literally and figuratively, and for helping build a stronger, healthier future for our city.”

This project reflects a strategic investment in youth, health, and equitable access to state-of-the-art recreation facilities across New Orleans.

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