KC team leaves its mark on Superdome; How your gameday Super Bowl view could be thanks to this Lenexa firm

A five-year, $560-million renovation at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans culminates Feb. 9 in a Super Bowl rematch featuring the hometown team of an engineering firm responsible for much of the work at the massive historic arena.

New escalators inside the Ceasars Superdome after renovation work by Henderson Engineers; photo courtesy of Henderson Engineers

Henderson Engineers, a Lenexa-based building systems design firm, recently completed a wide range of renovation projects within the Superdome, setting the literal stage for the Super Bowl — while the stadium was actively in use for football games, concerts, and other events.

“The Superdome has been one of the country’s most iconic sports venues since it opened 50 years ago, so we were committed to ensuring this renovation respected its legacy while enhancing the game day experience for decades to come,” said Jordan Bartholomew, venue sector practice manager at Henderson Engineers. “The fact that the Chiefs will be making a run for their fifth Super Bowl title at the stadium shortly after we completed the renovation is icing on the cake.”

As Engineer of Record, Henderson Engineers provided electrical, fire protection, mechanical, and plumbing design services for the project.

Highlights include a new 4,000-square-foot end zone field-level club and two new 40-yard bars for an elevated fan experience; four new viewing decks that are ADA-accessible; new atriums and escalators as well as wider concourses to improve navigation around the building; upgraded Wi-Fi and cellular service to provide better connectivity; and a new team locker room for an enhanced player experience.

Field view from inside the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans. Henderson Engineers’ work wrapped in August 2024, just as the New Orleans Saints football season began; photo courtesy of Henderson Engineers

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic creating supply chain issues during the project’s early stages, it was still completed on time in advance of the Super Bowl, said Bartholomew, noting the firm is excited to have its work on display during the biggest sports event of the year.

“Our work is never truly over as long as a building is still standing, and it’s been fulfilling to be along for the ride as the Superdome continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of athletes, fans, and stadium personnel,” he said. “Having our blood, sweat, and tears in the spotlight on Super Bowl Sunday is a dream come true.”

Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans; photo courtesy of Henderson Engineers

This recent $560 million renovation isn’t the first time Henderson Engineers has left its mark on the Superdome.

The firm’s history with the venue dates to the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when a team was sent to document the damage inflicted on the facility. Henderson provided expert recommendations on needed repairs as well as design services as part of the stadium restoration that followed the natural disaster.

Given the success of that rehabilitation, the company has continually been tapped for various design and construction projects at the facility through the years.

“One of our core values at Henderson Engineers is to be a great partner through the entire life of any building we work on,” said Bartholomew. “Caesars Superdome exemplifies that philosophy. While we initially came on board after a tragedy, our involvement didn’t stop once the stadium was restored to its beloved original condition.”

Henderson Engineers isn’t the only company with a Kansas City presence that was involved in the $560 million Superdome renovation; Thornton Tomasetti served as structural engineer and Zahner was the architectural metal fabricator and supplier. Other key project partners included Trahan Architects as the Architect of Record and Broadmoor, LLC as the general contractor.

Caesars Superdome is the second Super Bowl host site that Henderson Engineers has worked on in the past five years. The firm was also Engineer of Record for SoFi Stadium, host site for the 2022 Super Bowl.

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