Case Study: Elevating Super Bowl LIX Broadcasts with Custom Event Flooring Solutions

Overview

For Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, our team had the exciting opportunity to provide custom event flooring solutions across multiple high-profile locations. Working closely with FOX Sports and GMR Marketing, we executed several unique installations, including the unprecedented transformation of Bourbon Street into a polished broadcast environment.

From the FOX Game Day Experience to the FanDuel Manning Bros. "Kick of Destiny 3" set, each installation played a crucial role in elevating the look and feel of one of the world’s largest sporting events. Our long-standing relationship with FOX Sports, built over 15 years, enabled us to push the boundaries of broadcast set design and execute installations that had never been attempted before.

Project Goals & Challenges

The primary objective of these installations was to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of FOX’s Super Bowl broadcast sets while navigating the complex logistics of a high-traffic event in a bustling city. One of the most ambitious aspects of the project was installing a fully carpeted set in the heart of Bourbon Street, marking the first time any network had attempted a live broadcast from this iconic location.

Key challenges included:

• Tight timelines – Some installations had only a few hours for completion.

• Logistical hurdles – Coordinating with FOX Sports while navigating ever-changing plans.

• Environmental factors – Crowds, street debris, and unexpected interruptions.

Installation Breakdown

Our team executed flooring solutions across five major locations:

1. Bourbon Street – FOX Sports Set

• Objective: Transform the notoriously dirty Bourbon Street into a polished broadcast environment that stood out from previous Super Bowl pre-game shows.

• Materials Used:

• Custom-dyed purple carpet

• Custom-printed carpet (for the field stage)

• Printed G-Floor Vinyl (used on the set’s border)

• Challenges:

• Installation Timing: We had only three hours at 3 AM to complete the installation.

• Crowds & Obstacles: Thousands of revelers were still on Bourbon Street at installation time, requiring police assistance to clear the area.

• Street Conditions: The area was covered in trash and unknown liquids, but we coordinated with a waste management team to clean ahead of us.

• Outcome: The bold, unexpected purple carpet became an internet sensation, with many viewers shocked (and some even grossed out) that Bourbon Street had been carpeted. Despite initial doubts from FOX executives, the installation was widely praised for its striking look.

2. FOX Sports Game Day Experience

• Objective: Create a Super Bowl-branded flooring solution that would enhance FOX's event space and provide a signature visual identity.

• Materials Used:

• Printed show carpet

• Printed G-Floor Vinyl

• Unique Features: The G-Floor Vinyl, a new material for FOX, allowed for second-surface printing, meaning the design was protected under a clear wear layer, ensuring durability even in high-traffic areas.

3. FOX Sports On-Field Set

• Objective: Provide a durable, visually engaging flooring solution for pre-game coverage with ample space for hosts to move around.

• Materials Used:

• Printed G-Floor Vinyl

• Installation Notes: Since this installation was exposed to the elements for weeks before the game, the vinyl needed to be securely glued down to prevent warping from weather fluctuations.

4. FanDuel Set – Manning Bros. Kick of Destiny 3

• Objective: Provide a secure, professional flooring installation for FanDuel’s live broadcast event.

• Materials Used:

• Printed show carpet

• Choice Turf

• Challenges: The biggest challenge here was ensuring that seams did not interfere with the event's branding, particularly logos.

5. GMR Marketing – NFL House

• Objective: Deliver high-quality flooring for an exclusive space used by NFL players and VIPs.

• Materials Used:

• Printed show carpet with bound edges

• Outcome: Though our team was not onsite for the final execution, client feedback confirmed that the flooring looked fantastic and contributed to the premium feel of the space.

Execution & Problem-Solving

Throughout the project, our team faced several unexpected hurdles, including:

• Changing Client Plans: FOX frequently adjusted logistics, requiring us to be highly adaptable.

• Limited Site Access: Certain locations had strict security and barricades, making deliveries and installations more difficult.

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility is Crucial: Large-scale projects with many stakeholders require the ability to pivot quickly.

• Relationships Matter: Our strong history with FOX helped ensure last-minute changes were manageable.

• Preparation is Everything: Given the chaotic nature of Bourbon Street, our experienced team’s ability to work efficiently under pressure was invaluable.

Client & Industry Feedback

• FOX Executives: Initially skeptical about the Bourbon Street installation, they were ultimately thrilled with the results.

• Event Attendees & Viewers: Social media buzzed with reactions to the unexpected sight of a carpeted Bourbon Street, creating an organic marketing moment.

• On-Site Crew & Installers: FOX’s technical team and camera operators praised the attention to detail in seaming and layout.

Final Thoughts

The Super Bowl LIX flooring installations pushed creative and logistical boundaries, proving that even in the most unconventional settings, event flooring can elevate a space. By successfully executing the first-ever live Bourbon Street broadcast set, we demonstrated our expertise in large-scale, high-pressure event flooring projects.

This project was not just about laying down floors—it was about transforming spaces, overcoming challenges, and creating memorable visuals that enhanced one of the biggest events in the world.

With another successful Super Bowl in the books, we look forward to continuing to innovate in event flooring solutions for years to come.