Arena Digest - New Orleans Arena / New Orleans, La.

Year Opened	1999
Capacity	17,200 (Hornets), 18,500 (general event)
Architect	Arthur Q. Davis & Partners
Web Site	www.neworleansarena.com
Phone	504/587-3663
Anchor Tenants	New Orleans Hornets (NBA) / New Orleans Voodoo (AFL)
Parking	The Superdome parking lots and surrounding lots provide ample parking, even for sold out events.
Directions	1501 Girod Street, New Orleans, LA 70113. From I-10, coming from the west and New Orleans Int'l Airport: At the I-610 split, stay right to downtown New Orleans; After the Carrolton Avenue/Airline Highway exit, take exit #234A "90 Claiborne Ave. west- Superdome" Follow the signs to the Superdome parking garages. From I-10, coming from the east: Follow I-10 westbound to downtown New Orleans; Take the Orleans Avenue exit; Turn left on Orleans and follow it across Canal Street where Orleans becomes Loyola Ave.; Proceed to Girod Street; Turn right and follow Girod to the Superdome. From the West Bank of the Mississippi River & the Greater New Orleans Bridge: Take the O'Keefe Street exit; Turn Left on Girod Street and follow Girod Street to the Superdome. From Interstates 55 and 59: Proceed south to I-10; Follow I-10 signs leading to downtown New Orleans; Follow the above directions for I-10 coming from the east.

History
On October 29, 1999, New Orleans and Southern Louisiana began a new era of sports and entertainment with the opening of The New Orleans Arena. The now-defunct New Orleans Brass of the ECHL faced the Baton Rouge Kingfish in the first game ever played in the facility.

The availability of this new, debt-free building was a huge factor in getting the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) to move to New Orleans. The "new" New Orleans Hornets defeated the Utah Jazz (New Orleans' previous NBA team) on October 30, 2002, and quickly established home court advantage with an 11-game winning streak in the arena.

The venue is also home to the AFL’s New Orleans Voodoo. Located adjacent to the Louisiana Superdome, the Arena is within walking distance of 18,000 hotel rooms, the Central Business District, the French Quarter, and riverfront attractions.

The facility is connected to the Superdome by two pedestrian walkways. It utilizes the Dome's 5,000-car parking garage as well as the Dome's 9,000-ton air conditioning system and primary ticket office.