New Orleans Pelicans: New Orleans Arena Receives New Look

The New Orleans Arena got an interior facelift this offseason. (Flickr.com photo/B & C Hubbard)

The New Orleans Pelicans have some exciting news to share. The 14-year old New Orleans Arena has received a great, new $50 million interior look.

Includes: 

• 16 new loge boxes in lower bowl which has swivel seats and LED monitors
• Party perch in upper bowl
• Upgraded concession stands with more variety in food
• New 12,000 square foot Chairman’s Club
• Expanded Capital One Club
• Upgraded 56 suites
• New locker rooms for both home and away teams

Pelicans team president Dennis Lauscha said:

"“It’s all about the fan experience. There are a number of surveys that come out as far as fan satisfaction is concerned. Two-thirds of it is the play on the court and one-third of it is the fan amenities. Some things we put in may not have a gigantic revenue return, but we knew we had to do it for fan experience. I will tell you that it certainly be in my mind that after phase two, we’re going to be in the top half or top third in my opinion. We did it for a very good price, too. There are some arenas that are built for a billion dollars. In New York, it cost a billion dollars to renovate that arena (Madison Square Garden). So we’re talking $50 million here.”"

Senior VP of SMG Doug Thornton said:

"“The look of the building is different, there’s no question about it. The architects wanted to achieve what they call an urban loft look, where you see a lot of exposed concrete, very modern sleek furnishes and clean lines in the building as opposed to what we had before which was designed back in the mid-’90s. It makes it a little more fresh and modern than in the past. We’re very happy with the way it turned out, particularly the look and the feel of it. Obviously you have to continue to evolve and stay modern and that’s what we’re trying to do here with these modern features. There’s more to come, this is not the end of it. This is the first phase. I think it accomplishes what the team wanted to accomplish, which is part of that rebranding and re-imaging if you will.”"

Pelicans owner Tom Benson said:

"“The good news is that we expect a sellout for every game. That would be tremendous. Just think about that, both the Saints and now the Pelicans. That means our fans are really involved and really love what’s going on and we’re looking forward to a great season.”"

Pelicans shooting guard Anthony Morrow said:

"“It’s going to be great. I heard a lot about it but I haven’t seen anything yet. I saw like a visual photo of the floor and what it’s going to look like. It’s going to be big and I’m really excited and I know the community is excited. This is really a fun time for the organization.”(Quotes via nola.com)"

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