More than 200 local business vying for coveted Super Bowl LIX diversity vendor contracts

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Hundreds of local businesses hoping to secure a coveted vendor contract for next February’s Super Bowl LIX packed into a Champions Square club Tuesday (June 4) to learn more about the Supplier Diversity Program.

Vendors got the chance to meet with the NFL and the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee to learn more about the program’s expectations and timeline.

The member introduction workshop included more than 200 local businesses selected to participate in the Supplier Diversity Program. They networked, listened to a panel and learned what’s next in the process.

Many are hoping this stimulates small-business growth and helps build their brands.

“To get a little piece of that pie, to support the Super Bowl, it just kind of legitimizes your business, allows you to show other vendors what you’re capable of,” said Joshua Culp, owner of Hammerdubs.

“Really hoping to just gain some exposure, gain popularity,” said Lyle Lundi Hunter, owner of Crescent City Burgers.

Of the estimated 1,400 businesses to apply, roughly 225 were accepted into the first class of the NFL Source program which launched last month.

“The Superdome tourism really drives this city,” Hunter said.

Anne Lloyd, owner of an area catering company, said New Orleans is special because, “We throw great parties, we have great events and our whole community pitches in to make that happen.”

Myisha Boyce with NFL Source said the Supplier Diversity Program looks for women, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ and disability-owned businesses.

“Small business is the backbone of economy and so what we see is that local engagement really just pouring back into the local economy,” Boyce said. “We understand how important that is and we’re here to make sure that happens.”

She said the invited businesses went through a stringent vetting process and met several eligibility requirements, such as being at least 51% owned and operated by a diverse owner and being headquartered within a nearby 10-parish region.

The program provides them with networking opportunities with NFL vendors and the chance to win all kinds of contracts.

“It really stretches the gambit,” Boyce said.

There are over 35 specialty areas the NFL is looking to procure from local vendors, including food and beverage, tenting companies, waste removal and graphic design.

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“Everything with an event like the Super Bowl comes down to branding the image, so everything from signage to apparel to beads to tents to drinkware. We can provide it all,” Culp said.

Many of the business owners are hoping for a foot into the football scene beyond Super Bowl LIX.

“Undoubtedly. I think this will have a major impact on my business and I’m just looking forward to seeing it materialize,” Hunter said.

Boyce said bids will be coming from now until just before Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 9, 2025, though she said the heaviest request for proposal (RFP) season typically goes down during the summer.

Many more activities are scheduled to take place over the next several months for these businesses.

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