When Super Bowl XLVII came to New Orleans in 2013, CBS made history by selecting Solomon Group — a then–four-year-old local company — to design and build the broadcast environments for its coverage. For a city known for spectacle and showmanship, it was the first time a hometown firm would set the stage for television’s most-watched event, where over 108 million people tuned in.
Our Game Plan
CBS needed multiple sets across New Orleans, each reflecting both the network’s brand and the city’s unmistakable character. Our creative approach brought the Crescent City’s architecture and spirit into every environment — from wrought iron balconies and shutters to Mardi Gras beads and brass band motifs. Even the CBS “eye” logo was subtly woven into the ironwork, marrying network identity with local culture and authenticity.
With less than five months to deliver, our team designed, fabricated, and installed sets at iconic locations including Jackson Square, Radio Row at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, as well as outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. We also created a striking cable bridge over Decatur Street, creating the gateway to CBS Super Bowl Park.
Impact
Over a dozen CBS divisions — news, sports, entertainment, and digital — broadcast from these custom-built sets, generating dozens of hours of national programming in the week leading up to the game. For viewers across the country, New Orleans wasn’t just the backdrop of the Super Bowl — it was woven into the broadcast itself.
Why It Matters
For Solomon Group, this project was both a proving ground and a turning point. The opportunity to deliver on a national stage showcased our ability to combine design innovation, cultural storytelling, and flawless execution in high-stakes environments — a hallmark of our work ever since.