One of the great reasons to celebrate anything in Louisiana is the fact that we always have a party going. Whether we're chasin' chickens through the mud at Mardi Gras in Church Point, Eunice, and Mamou. Or we're cheering on the Tigers in Baton Rouge on a Saturday night, or whether it's just a typical Wednesday night on Bourbon Street, we've got a party going.

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So it's no wonder why huge events such as the NFL's Super Bowl have chosen the city of New Orleans to host the game 10 other times. When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles meet on February 9th it will be the 8th Super Bowl for the Superdome and the eleventh overall for New Orleans.

While fun is the outward message the inward message for this year's big game in the Big Easy will be security. Those entrusted with keeping the French Quarter safe for all guests have been working overtime since the terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day.

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That's why Louisiana State Police and Governor Jeff Landry announced sweeping security changes in policy and protocol for those who want to visit New Orleans' French Quarter during Super Bowl week. That means for a lot of us who regularly visit the French Quarter things will be a lot different.

Here are some of the new restrictions that guests will face before they are allowed to enter the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone. That zone is defined as the area bordered by Canal, Royal, St. Ann, and Dauphine Streets. Here is a graphic from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

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GOHSEP,la.gov
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The area outlined in yellow on the above graphic is the Enhanced Security Zone. It will be operational from February 5th through February 10th. You will also notice that a lot of items you used to be able to bring into the French Quarter are either prohibited or strongly discouraged.

Any bag or container that is larger than four and a half inches by six and a half inches, roughly the size of a lady's clutch pocketbook, will be subject to search. You may refuse the search but if you do, you will be denied entrance into the security zone.

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Laura Chouette via Unsplash.com
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Vehicle traffic will be prohibited and vehicles that are parked within the zone after February 5th will be subject to being towed. Guests who have hotel reservations during this time at a French Quarter Hotel should call that property and verify directions to check-in and parking. It is suggested that hotel guests enter the area via the Dauphine Street or Royal Street entrances.

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Those who attend the festivities will also notice a very strong police presence. Many uniformed law enforcement agents and agents working in plain clothes will be on hand.  And as always, if you see something say something, chances are you won't have to go to far to find someone in a position of authority to make your report.

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Gallery Credit: Meg Dowdy

 

 

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