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It's exciting to think about the .

Louisiana's largest municipal economic driver has hosted the big game 10 times since the city got an NFL franchise in 1967. The last time was in 2013. We know what happened that night.

The next one, Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome, will be the 11th for us.

This is a big, big deal and there's lots of money tied to the event. The NFL makes millions. When potential host cities bid, they must agree to abide by the NFL's rules. That includes reducing NFL costs by raising millions to cover some of the costs of putting on the weekend show that got 123.7 million viewers during the Las Vegas-hosted game last month. 

We don't have to wonder whether the NFL and many businesses will make money from the game. 

They will. And not just that weekend. Introductions are made, cards are exchanged, and deals are struck.

Lots of money is made.

That's for the people who know what the deal is.

The NFL wants to improve its diversity supplier list by sharing some inside information about what's necessary to compete at that level.

My question is how many of those businesses making good money will be owned by people who look like me? People who look like my wife, my sisters and my women friends? And how many of my LGBTQ friends will be included? 

I wonder how many businesses that get some Super Bowl money will be owned by people with disabilities or by veterans.

There wasn't a lot of talk like this when New Orleans hosted the 2013 Super Bowl, at least not as directly, nor as consistently as this.

NFL Super Bowl host committees once were responsible for supply management diversity. It was cozy, based on friendships and relationships and who knew who. That's not all bad, but it excludes others who just want a chance.

We have lots of businesses in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes who are eligible and qualify for the NFL's Super Bowl LIX Supplier Diversity Program. Those who apply by March 31 will be considered for an undetermined number of participant spots. 

Warning: They'll be checking your certifications, your social media accounts, and your websites. They'll even have secret shoppers check you out to determine whether you're legit.

Want a piece of the action? Button up, prepare, meet the application deadline and buckle up with an open mind.

Successful applicants will attend NFL-specific sessions focused on professional development, preparation to compete for business and how to network, NFL-style. 

That won't guarantee a Super Bowl contract. Attorney Kim Boyle, chair of the Super Bowl LIX Supplier Diversity Committee, and her 50 fellow committee members won't get contracts. Their focus is helping more regional businesses. "It's an opportunity," Boyle said. "There are no guarantees."

They want to see any successes continue. 

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to work with the NFL to jump-start this effort in southern Louisiana — and to continue the work after Super Bowl fans and business people go home. Dr. Darvelle Hutchins, the Saints' vice president of equity and social impact, is charged with moving this forward with businesses that want to do business with the Saints.

There are specific certification requirements. Each business applicant must have been in business at least since February 2022. Those who don't qualify for the program can help themselves by closely following what's going on now rather than just showing up at the big game.

Subcontractor opportunities are listed on the official website at . Some businesses might be reluctant to participate because it's not clear how much is being spent. Even the locals in charge don't know. 

The NFL wants to see more supplier diversity, but more information needs to be shared. 

Meanwhile, Boyle, Hutchins and others responsible for identifying quality businesses to participate must push — hard — to maximize opportunities.

Qualifying businesses must follow the requirements and push equally hard to make a strong case to be part of the program.

Every NFL team hopes to make the Super Bowl, but only two will get there — after a long, hard season of intense competition.

The league deserves credit for giving qualified small businesses their shot as well. I'm hoping our local teams — the Saints and area small businesses — all make it to the big game.