By DENISE SEEGOBIN

NEW ORLEANS — Many consider the Super Bowl America’s greatest sports spectacle, but it’s much more than a championship football game on Sunday night.

This is never more true than when the NFL brings the show to New Orleans.  Wherever the location, the run-up to the Super Bowl is filled with official activities and much more fanfare, and it can feel like the longest week of the year.

It begins with Monday’s Opening Night and the sparkling Ceasars Superdome was where the party started and where it will end Sunday night with either the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles celebrating a Super Bowl LIX victory.

Festivities focused on the players and coaches Monday night as they made their first public appearance in the building. It was also a fabulous venue for thousands of fans who enjoyed the many experiential booths and other attractions while media went to work.

Both teams arrived in the Crescent City on Sunday. Every player and coach was available to the media on Monday night. 

It was a night filled with questions and answers. The media grilled the players on everything from their health to what they were looking forward to doing while being in New Orleans. Players were also asked about their favorite foods, colors and Kendrick Lamar songs. 

The Eagles took the field first and did their photo and interview session.

The Eagles’ Saquon Barkley got his first taste of the event. Barkley was not on the Eagles’ roster when they lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago. Barkley relished his decision to bring his talents from the New York Giants to Philadelphia to get an opportunity to play in a Super Bowl. 

The Chiefs have been here five times in the past six years. They are chasing history, aiming to become the first NFL team to win three straight Super Bowls. The Eagles are seeking their second Lombardi Trophy, but have lost three other times in the big game.

Many media questions have little or nothing to do with the championship game.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce playfully talked about Taylor Swift pop-tarts and stated that he hoped to match his girlfriend’s energy on stage when he is on the field. 

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked about picking NBA players for a mock football team.

With Opening Night under their belts, the teams are focused on preparation. Both teams attempt to hold normal practices in a week that is hardly routine.

It should be an interesting week in the Big Easy.