When Super Bowl LIX came to New Orleans in early 2025, it brought with it the eyes of the world—and an incredible opportunity for Elysian Events Catering to showcase the best of Louisiana cuisine to some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and business. From VIP tailgates and commissioner dinners to multi-day brand activations, our team worked tirelessly throughout Super Bowl week to deliver unforgettable culinary experiences.
Here’s a look at how Elysian Events Catering contributed to this record-tying 11th Super Bowl in New Orleans.
The Official Super Bowl LIX Tailgate Party
The Super Bowl LIX Tailgate Party was the ultimate pregame celebration, bringing together 7,000 lucky guests who held tickets to the big game. Local musicians filled the air with New Orleans sounds throughout the afternoon before headliner Post Malone took the stage for a high-energy performance just steps from Caesars Superdome.
Elysian Events Catering was proud to be among the local chefs selected to provide food for this invite-only event. We served up some of our most beloved Louisiana-inspired dishes:
- Crawfish Hand Pie with charred green onion vinaigrette
- Stuffed Artichoke Hand Pie with lemon, fresh herbs, Grana Padano cheese, and roasted poblano aioli
- White Bean & Mirliton Stew with buttermilk cornbread
At 4 p.m., guests second-lined their way over to the Superdome to watch the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in what became the most-watched broadcast in American television history.
Elysian Events Behind the Scenes with Post Malone
In addition to serving guests at the tailgate, our team had the special honor of preparing meals for Post Malone and his team during rehearsals and on game day itself. Our gameday specialties included chicken bonne femme, fresh salads, and custom entrees alongside an assorted dessert display.
It’s not every day you get to feed a Grammy-nominated global superstar, and we were thrilled and honored to bring our signature New Orleans hospitality to his green room.
NFL Commissioner’s Dinner at the Contemporary Arts Center
One of the most prestigious events of Super Bowl week, the NFL Commissioner’s Dinner brought together league executives, team owners, and VIP guests at the Contemporary Arts Center. The event featured multiple chef stations, and Elysian Events Catering partnered with My House Events to deliver an impressive oyster experience.
Our contribution to this elegant evening included:
- 1,600 chargrilled oysters (a New Orleans specialty)
- 600 raw Gulf oysters
- 600 farmed oysters from Bayou Rosa Farms
Bayou Rosa Oyster Farm, a Native-owned operation in Lafourche Parish run by the Pitre family and members of the United Houma Nation, represents the future of Louisiana’s oyster industry. Their cultivated oysters—briny, meaty, and beautifully presented—were the perfect complement to our signature chargrilled preparation.
Nike Executive Retreat at Derbès Mansion
For four days, we transformed the historic Derbès Mansion into the ultimate hospitality destination for Nike executives and star athletes. This stunning 1858 Greek Revival manor, set among lush gardens in the Esplanade Ridge Historic District, provided the perfect backdrop for a week of complete Southern elegance.
Day 1: Executive Welcome Party
We kicked things off with a traditional Louisiana seafood boil paired with classic NOLA cocktails—the perfect way to welcome guests to the Big Easy. Sides included Louisiana strawberry salad, marinated cherry tomato and fennel salad, and mac-n-cheese.
Day 2: Full-Day Hospitality
From morning to evening, we kept executives fueled with breakfast, lunch, and happy hour service. Culinary delights on day two included artisanal grazing tables, passed hors d’oeuvres and a delicious cold seafood station.
Day 3: The Main Event
The highlight of the Nike activation featured an intimate breakfast for executives, followed by an elaborate raw bar brunch with a stunning menu and setup designed to impress star athletes and their partners. Specialties included a stone ground grits bar, a farmer’s market table, and a bread pudding bar. We capped this historic day off with another happy hour.
Day 4: Farewell Breakfast
We sent the Nike team off with one final breakfast, giving them a taste of New Orleans to remember as they headed home, including assorted pastries, a custom scrambled egg station, and buttermilk biscuits with housemade jam.
Oakley Athlete Open House
Oakley hosted an open house for athletes and visitors throughout Super Bowl week, and Elysian Events Catering provided passed appetizers alongside specialty cocktails designed to celebrate both teams:
- Eagles Cocktail: Vodka with UV Blue raspberry-flavored liqueur, Blue Curaçao, pineapple, and lime juice
- Chiefarita: Strawberry Margaritas for Kansas City fans
Excel Sports Management Party at the Civic Theatre
We partnered once again with My House Events to cater the Excel Sports Management party at the historic Civic Theatre. This 1906 Beaux Arts venue—the oldest surviving theater in New Orleans—provided a stunning backdrop for an evening of passed appetizers and desserts for sports industry leaders and their guests.
Specialties at the Excel Sports Management party included tuna tartare, pimento cheese canapé, blackened hangar steak, bacon-wrapped dates and gulf seafood ceviche—among many others!
A Super Bowl to Remember
For our team at Elysian Events Catering, Super Bowl LIX was a chance to show the world what we do best: deliver fresh, approachable Louisiana cuisine with warmth and professionalism.
From chargrilling thousands of oysters to creating custom cocktails for football fans, from feeding global superstars to hosting four-day corporate retreats, Super Bowl week reminded us why we love what we do. New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and we’re proud to have played our part in making Super Bowl LIX one for the history books.
Interested in bringing Elysian Events Catering to your next event? Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering, wedding, or private party, we’d love to help make it unforgettable. Contact us today to start planning.
