NEW ORLEANS — Building owners in the French Quarter are greasing poles with Vaseline in anticipation of rowdy celebrations as Philadelphia Eagles fans pour into the city for Super Bowl LIX.
The tactic, commonly used in Philadelphia with Crisco-coated street poles before major Eagles games, is meant to prevent fans from climbing and causing damage. While New Orleans police do not grease streetlight poles, many business and property owners take precautions by slicking balcony support poles.
“The city of New Orleans does not grease street light poles,” said Barry Fletcher, spokesperson for the New Orleans Police Department. “However, it is very common for building owners to grease balcony support poles.”
The measure comes as New Orleans prepares for a surge of visitors, with Super Bowl festivities coinciding with the peak of Mardi Gras season.
With Eagles fans known for their high-energy celebrations, French Quarter establishments are bracing for a weekend of packed streets and heightened revelry.