In Spring 1982, with sixteen seconds left in the NCAA final, a freshman from North Carolina sunk a jumper that won the championship and transformed his life forever.
He arrived in New Orleans as Mike Jordan but left as Michael.
By then, the Louisiana Superdome, which housed Jordan’s debut on the national stage, had hosted numerous gripping events over the years. It witnessed Roberto Durán’s concession of the world welterweight championship in 1980, Muhammad Ali’s last professional win in 1980, as well as iconic moments from Pete Maravich, Keith Smart, and Chris Webber.
In 1978, it held the first prime-time Super Bowl, and years later, the lights went out in another. It saw Tom Brady’s first win and Joe Montana’s last, among other historic occurrences.
However, for the people of New Orleans, nothing compares to the night Steve Gleason’s blocked punt symbolized hope and resilience for a city shattered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
A year later, the Superdome was restored, along with the city of New Orleans, marking a rebirth for both.
The Superdome has stood the test of time, witnessing significant events and moments. With its upcoming eighth Super Bowl, it remains a symbol of resilience and strength for a city intimately connected to it.