Transport Touchdown: Kelsian drives into Super Bowl LIX

Wednesday 19 February 2025

As Super Bowl LIX descended upon New Orleans, over 100,000 visitors gathered for the monumental clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Amidst the festivities, Hotard Coaches, a proud subsidiary of Kelsian Group and AAAHI, played a pivotal role in ensuring seamless transportation for teams, officials, and fans alike.

Meticulous planning for a mega event

The journey to Super Bowl LIX began well before the NFL season kicked off. In early 2024, preliminary discussions were initiated to assess transportation needs. Julie Chalmers, Vice President and General Manager at Hotard Coaches, highlighted the extensive preparation involved.

"The company that books all the buses made their first visit here early in 2024. They don’t book anything at that point, but they start looking at their options. It’s a long process, but we’re working toward it all year round."

This proactive approach ensured that Hotard was ready to tackle the unique challenges presented by such a high-profile event.

Coordinating complex charter logistics

Each NFL team required a fleet of 10 buses, but the responsibilities extended beyond just the teams. Trisha Fridrich, Vice President of Business Development for All Aboard America Holdings, the parent company of Hotard Coaches, emphasised the broader impact.

"When you think about the economic impact the Super Bowl has on New Orleans, it’s not just the football game. It’s everything around it. We want to make the most of an event like this through not just transporting the teams, but also the sponsors, security, and other clients who are headed to the game. Events like these have a meaningful impact on our revenue."

The collaboration showcased the capabilities of Kelsian with a reputation as a trusted global transport leader – collaboration with multiple agencies, including the New Orleans Police Department, state and local law enforcement, and NFL security.

A testament to Kelsian Group's global capabilities

Kelsian Managing Director and CEO Clint Feuerherdt expressed pride in the team's accomplishments.

"Having such a significant footprint in Super Bowl LIX logistics reflects our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and reinforces our growing international presence. The meticulous planning and flawless execution by our team enhanced the passenger experience while cementing our reputation as a trusted partner for large-scale and charter events."

This achievement highlights Kelsian Group's potential for continued growth in the U.S. and international markets, setting new standards for world-class transport solutions.

Hotard Coaches was contracted by SP+ GAMEDAY, a Metropolis Company, to support Super Bowl LIX New Orleans.