Arrowhead Pride
For three days I was in paradise as I traveled to the Bayou. Then it was over.
Most of my Arrowhead Pride articles provide film analysis from a recent Kansas City Chiefs game.
This isn’t one of those.
Instead, this is about the tremendous opportunity with which I was presented: to attend Super Bowl LIX between the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. After much consideration, I decided to seize the day. A three-peat was on the line — and I would see the team I have supported since childhood play on the biggest stage.
The trip would be long and grueling, but it felt worth it.
With a ticket in hand, I was determined to make the rest of the trip as affordable as possible. This meant driving a rented van to New Orleans — which would take 13-15 hours. I drove it solo, stopping Friday night in Baton Rouge.
After some sightseeing around Louisiana State University’s campus, some gumbo and a good night's rest, I drove another 90 minutes to Bayou Segnette State Park, where I would camp for the next two days.
After ensuring my campsite was snake and alligator-free, I wandered about the premises. I immediately saw a large Kelly green school bus covered with Eagles logos.
The influx of Philadelphia fans would be a common theme.
After a few hours exploring the state park, I took a power nap. Then it was time to clean up and begin my trek into New Orleans.
Going from a serene state park into the bustling streets of New Orleans felt like going from naturally laid-back Southern living into a movie set. I was awestruck by the enormous throngs of people who had swarmed into the city for the game. The national spotlight was burning brightly!
When I arrived at Bourbon Street, the full New Orleans vibe was everywhere: “Come one, come all! Old, young, rich, poor, Philadelphia or Kansas Citian — but do have a good time!”
The crowd was hypnotic. It drew you in, making you go deeper and deeper into the experience. And the further you got, the more you could find.
As my Uber driver put it: “All the food is good — and if it isn’t, that place won’t be around very long.”
At the first restaurant I tried, I was exposed to true Southern comfort: gumbo, jambalaya, red rice, beans, spicy cornbread and some excellent fried shrimp.
Then came a trip to the New Orleans Convention Center to walk it off — and see the NFL’s Super Bowl Experience. In typical fashion, the $10 event cost $40. But it was clear the league had gone all out, creating a family-friendly attraction for out-of-town fans and the hometown crowd.
The locals surely loved the exhibit honoring Willie Roaf — a great player for both the New Orleans Saints and the Chiefs. It brought back fond memories of my earliest days as a fan, reminding me why...
