New Orleans

OUTSIDE THE FRENCH QUARTER 145
1440 Moss St., near Esplanade Ave. & 504/482-0312. Fax 504/482-0363. www.
pitothouse.org. Admission $5 adults, $4 seniors and students, free for children
under 8, parties of 10 or more $3 each. Wed–Fri 10am–3pm or by appointment.
The Superdome Completed in 1975 (at a cost of around
$180 million), the Superdome is a landmark civic structure that the
world will never look at the same way again. When it was proposed
as a shelter during Katrina, that suggestion was intended as the last
resort for those who simply had no other evacuation choice. As
such, adequate plans were not in place, and when tens of thousands
of refugees came or were brought there, within 24 hours it turned
into hell on earth. Along with the Convention Center, it became a
symbol of suffering, neglect, and despair, as people were trapped
without sufficient food, water, medical care, or, it seemed, hope.
As it happened, the New Orleans Saints reopened the Superdome
in 2006 with much hoopla for its first home game, against the
Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football. The halftime show was
anchored by a special blend of Green Day and U2, singing their
charity cover of an old punk song. Over and over, regulars and even
those who had taken refuge here remarked on the gleaming success
of the $118-million renovation that wiped out any physical trace of
the misery the Dome hosted during the dark Katrina days. As if that
wasn’t enough, the Saints won! And they went on to a winning season
and playoff berths, for once! We won’t comment on hopes for
their future season, as we don’t want to jinx it, but do join us locals
in a chant of “WHO DAT?!”
Inside, no posts obstruct the spectator’s view of sporting events,
be they football, baseball, or basketball, while movable partitions
and seats allow the building to be configured for almost any event.
Most people think of the Superdome as a sports center only (the
Super Bowl has been held here numerous times, and the Sugar Bowl
is back), but this flying saucer of a building has played host to conventions,
balls, and big theatrical and musical productions.
1500 block of Poydras St., near Rampart St.&504/587-3663. www.superdome.com.
FLOATING ACROSS THE RIVER TO ALGIERS POINT
Algiers, annexed by New Orleans in 1870, stretches across the Mississippi
River from New Orleans. and it is easily accessible via the
free ferry that runs from the base of Canal Street. Take note: This
ferry is one of New Orleans’s best-kept secrets—it’s a great way to
get out onto the river and see the skyline. With such easy access (a
ferry leaves every 15–20 min.), who knows why the point hasn’t