Through their roles in civic leadership, economic development, and as legal counsel, four Adams and Reese attorneys – Chris Kane, Philip Sherman, Billy Wright, and Cate Creed – helped New Orleans prepare for Super Bowl LIX. The internationally acclaimed event is expected to have an estimated economic impact of $600 million in New Orleans.
It all started in 2018 when Adams and Reese Counsel Philip Sherman visited New York to join New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, NFL owners, and the NFL, to pitch New Orleans as a host city for the Super Bowl. Sherman serves as an attorney for the Super Bowl Host Committee and as chair for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. GNOSF is a nonprofit that attracts major sporting events to New Orleans and then manages the events once they are here.
“The GNOSF has been involved in working to bring the Super Bowl to New Orleans since the 90s,” said Sherman in an interview with Biz New Orleans. “We won the 2024 bid but when the NFL decided to expand the season by a week, it meant it would overlap with Mardi Gras weekend, so we got 2025 instead. This was both a challenge and a success.”
Now that the big game is in New Orleans, Sherman’s work as legal counsel for the Super Bowl Host Committee includes reviewing and finalizing key sponsorship agreements, venue contracts, and service arrangements. As Chair of the GNOSF Board, Sherman collaborates closely with Jay Cicero, CEO of the GNOSF and President of the Super Bowl Host Committee. Their daily communication ensures alignment between the NFL, the City of New Orleans, the Saints, and GNOSF staff, addressing challenges and fulfilling commitments outlined in the original bid.
“I am proud of being able to be a small part in bringing these events to the city, which helps it economically and allows it to put its best foot forward,” said Sherman. “The Super Bowl helps promote local businesses and boosts the local economy in many ways and gives the city something to be proud of. Not many cities can do it the way we’re able to.”
Adams and Reese Partner Billy Wright and Associate Cate Creed are board members of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.
Wright is also a member of the Super Bowl Host Committee's Hospitality and Events Subcommittee, whose role is to plan Super Bowl major events such as the media party and parade. Reigning as king of the parade is Louisiana’s own celebrity, Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. The parade, held in the French Quarter, is a celebration of New Orleans hosting its record-tying 11th Super Bowl, featuring Super Bowl-themed floats from NFL partners, high school and college marching bands, and local stomping groups, all highlighting the city’s unique culture to the world.
Adams and Reese Partner Chris Kane serves as chair of Greater New Orleans, Inc. and as co-chair of the Super Bowl Host Committee’s Subcommittee for Economic Development. GNO, Inc. is a regional economic development nonprofit serving the 10-parish Southeast Louisiana region. The economic development organization’s President/CEO Michael Hecht was appointed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to oversee more than 500 infrastructure projects and ensure that they were completed before the big game. Over the last six months, more than $70 million worth of work has been completed across the city. GNO, Inc. partnered with the Super Bowl Host Committee, GNOSF, City of New Orleans, Downtown Development District, Arts New Orleans, Louisiana DOTD, Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, among other city and state agencies, and private entities.
Kane served as legal counsel on many of the infrastructure projects, structuring creative ways to expedite their delivery and finding solutions to any governmental hurdles.
“When Governor Landry asked GNO, Inc., and specifically Michael, to assist with Super Bowl infrastructure in New Orleans and showcase economic development in Louisiana, it was a once in a lifetime chance to make a lasting impact on a place I love so much,” said Kane in an interview with New Orleans CityBusiness. “I’m proud of the group of leaders we worked with across the region to make this Super Bowl have a generational impact.”