In this analysis of Super Bowl rentals, data reveals how football's biggest event transforms local short-term rental markets. New Orleans' 2025 Super Bowl presents a unique opportunity as it coincides with Mardi Gras.

Super Bowl Rentals in 2025: How Mardi Gras Timing Is Sending Prices Soaring

Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans is coinciding with Mardi Gras and driving short-term rental prices up 67.1%.

Recent Super Bowl host cities Phoenix and Las Vegas reveal controlled supply growth leads to higher demand.

Super Bowl bookings surge after playoff games, unlike Mardi Gras' early booking pattern.

When the confetti falls and the Lombardi Trophy is hoisted, it's not just the players celebrating a big win—hosts of Super Bowl rentals score their own victories. As the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face off in New Orleans on February 9 for Super Bowl LIX, both the winning team and local short-term rental hosts will have good reason to celebrate.

The intersection of professional football's biggest stage and the short-term rental market reveals fascinating patterns for hosts to leverage.

In this analysis, we'll explore how STRs in previous Super Bowl host cities performed, examine what makes New Orleans unique this year, and uncover key trends in pricing and demand that can help hosts make informed decisions. 

We'll also dive into the unprecedented scenario of the Super Bowl coinciding with Mardi Gras season, creating a perfect storm of opportunity for vacation rental owners.

We've studied event trends and have data-backed insights into how to maximize your occupancy and earnings.

How can you capitalize on events near you?

The Super Bowl + Short-Term Rentals: A Match Made in Heaven

Like a perfectly executed touchdown pass, listing an Airbnb for the Super Bowl delivers remarkable opportunities for short-term rental hosts. The Super Bowl’s economic impact extends far beyond the stadium, bringing more than an influx of fans. Media personnel, corporate sponsors, and entertainment industry professionals often prefer the space and amenities of vacation rentals over traditional hotels.

This year's Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans brings something special to the table—the big game lands right in the middle of the city's famous Mardi Gras season, doubling down on what's already one of the busiest times of the year. 

2025 data points to a market heavily favoring hosts, with limited STR supply growth in New Orleans (just 2.6% year-over-year) creating intense guest competition for available rentals. The combination of the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras festivities is pushing prices to new heights, though occupancy rates may stabilize as price-sensitive travelers explore cheaper alternatives in neighboring areas.

How the Super Bowl Impacts STR Demand and Pricing

Let's review recent Super Bowl data to see how the big game has influenced local STR trends to understand what lies ahead for New Orleans. Each host city tells a distinct story of supply, demand, and pricing dynamics.

Phoenix's story is one of explosive growth meeting exceptional demand. The market saw available listings surge 34.6% in the year leading up to the big game. However, February is the second-highest occupancy month behind March in Phoenix, meaning that short-term rental accommodations were nearing annual high usage rates regardless of the Super Bowl. That being said, hosts anticipated lucrative Super Bowl house rentals with attendance at Super Bowl 2023 reaching over 67,000 fans.

Phoenix had dramatic growth in both demand and ADR; however, the growth in demand of +35.8% YOY was qualified by the +31.3% growth rate the weekend prior, which had no blockbuster event but rather was a typical February weekend in Phoenix.

In reality, the results were mixed. Demand jumped 35.8% year-over-year (YOY) for Super Bowl LVII weekend, but this number becomes less impressive if you consider that growth rate the weekend prior was 31.3%. There was no event the weekend prior, just your typical high-season weekend in Phoenix.

Occupancy actually declined by 15.6% for Super Bowl weekend compared to the previous year, due to the flood of new listings. Despite increased demand, that influx of bookings was spread across a greater number of short-term rentals. As a result, host occupancy declined overall. 

However, the real victory came in pricing. Average daily rates (ADR) soared 47% higher than the previous year, significantly outpacing the 14.2% growth seen the weekend prior. While hosts in 2022 were able to charge $500 for the night of February 11th, Super Bowl hosts were able to get $700 for the same day in 2023 on the eve of the Super Bowl.

This surge suggests that while Phoenix may have overshot on supply, the market remained highly profitable for well-positioned hosts.

The next year, Las Vegas painted a completely different picture. Despite its reputation for excess, Sin City showed remarkable restraint in supply growth around Super Bowl LVIII, with available listings increasing just 12.9% YOY. The result? An astounding 80.2% surge in demand for Super Bowl rental properties.

Interestingly, pricing told a different story. ADR rose only 10.6%—barely higher than the previous weekend's 9.5% gain. This modest increase reflects Vegas's unique market dynamics, where abundant hotel rooms (the most of any American city) create intense price competition even during major events.

Super Bowl 2025: What's Unique About New Orleans?

New Orleans is shaping up to mirror Phoenix more than Las Vegas, but with its own distinct twists. 

Currently, Super Bowl house rentals are trending toward higher prices rather than explosive demand growth. Data as of January 27th reveals that Super Bowl weekend demand is now pacing +2.7% ahead year-over-year (YOY), a slight jump from earlier projections before the final matchup was confirmed.

What makes New Orleans particularly interesting is how the Super Bowl is conveniently timed with the city's traditional peak season around Mardi Gras festivities. When we compare weekends, the Super Bowl is showing noteworthy strength considering that last weekend was pacing -16.7% YOY. Looking further ahead, Mardi Gras 2025 is currently tracking at +109.6% YOY, suggesting sustained strong demand for New Orleans' peak season events.

What hosts can expect for Super Bowl rental prices

New Orleans STRs are positioned for exceptional pricing power. The current 67.1% YOY ADR growth significantly outpaces both Phoenix in 2023 (47%) and Las Vegas in 2024 (10.6%). 

While YOY demand growth for Mardi Gras blows the Super Bowl out of the water, the opposite is true for nightly rates. Super Bowl hosts are setting prices upwards of $650 this year, while Mardi Gras hosts are experiencing more modest YOY ADR growth (23%), bringing nightly rates to approximately $500. 

Booking patterns also reveal a crucial insight for hosts: while Mardi Gras typically rewards early pricing strategies, the Super Bowl follows a different playbook. We're seeing clear evidence of accelerated bookings following the playoff games. This contrasts sharply with Mardi Gras booking patterns, which usually plateau about three weeks before the event. 

For hosts still seeking bookings after this week, this data suggests you maintain current rates rather than rush to cut prices. The post-playoff surge in demand could well continue now that the Eagles-Chiefs matchup is set.

AirDNA’s vacation rental pricing tool uses data-driven recommendations to propose the best daily rates.

How to Capitalize on Super Bowl Rental Demand

Even with the Super Bowl bringing fans to New Orleans, hosts still need to play their cards right to maximize success. Here's how to make your property stand out from the competition:

Update Your Listing: Make sure your listing title and description are engaging and highlight features that align with what Super Bowl fans seek. Mention proximity to popular attractions, entertainment options, and any unique amenities your property offers.

Offer Special Packages: Create special Super Bowl packages or promotions. This could include discounted rates for longer stays, a welcome basket with complimentary game-day snacks, or local recommendations.

Provide Flexible Booking Options: Given the rapid pace of Super Bowl plans, offering flexible booking options, such as lenient cancellation policies or last-minute booking discounts, can make your property more appealing to potential guests.

Highlight Local Attractions: Emphasize the proximity of your property to Super Bowl-related events, viewing parties, or other attractions. Provide information on local sports bars, restaurants, or venues that will be hosting Super Bowl festivities.

Update Your Guidebook: Ensure your guidebook is up to date with relevant information about the property, including any recent changes or upgrades. Include instructions on how to operate entertainment systems for those planning game-day gatherings.

Create a Super Bowl Vibe: Decorate your property with subtle Super Bowl-themed touches, such as team colors or football-themed decor. This can create a festive atmosphere for guests looking to enjoy the game.

Use Dynamic Pricing: Monitor any last-minute changes in demand and adjust your pricing accordingly to snag every dollar your property deserves.

How to rent your house for the Super Bowl

Planning to list your property as a Super Bowl rental? Success starts long before kickoff. Here's what you need to know before renting your house on Airbnb:

Start your preparation at least six months before the event. First, thoroughly research your city's short-term rental regulations—major events often bring increased scrutiny from local authorities. Next, ensure your property insurance covers short-term rentals and consider additional coverage for the event period.

When it comes to pricing strategy, timing is everything. While early-bird rates can secure initial bookings, the most strategic hosts often keep some flexibility in their pricing until team announcements are made. Once the competing teams are known, demand patterns typically shift as fans begin planning their travel.

Keep an eye on STR trends in previous host cities and set competitive rates based on your property's unique features and location. Properties within walking distance of the stadium or along public transit routes to the venue can usually command premium rates.

Remember: just listing your property isn't enough. Highlight amenities that appeal specifically to Super Bowl visitors—things like large-screen TVs, ample seating for groups, and easy parking for rideshare access can make your listing stand out.

Super Bowls are a case study in agile hosting. As New Orleans hosts gear up for the Super Bowl surge in demand, hosts in other areas have a clear example of how strategic preparations improve owner chances of securing bookings and maximizing revenue—and not just during the Super Bowl. 

You’ll be able to respond to changing demand and make informed choices that set you apart by making the most of tools and market data insights. As football enthusiasts seek Super Bowl rentals for an unforgettable experience, you’ll be well-positioned to capitalize on the excitement.

Super Bowl rentals surge in New Orleans as the 2025 game coincides with Mardi Gras, creating unique opportunities & pricing trends for short-term rental hosts.

Super Bowl Rentals in 2025: How Mardi Gras Timing Is Sending Prices Soaring

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