Gold Mine on Airline: The Evolution of a Metairie Sports Landmark
Located in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, Gold Mine on Airline is a versatile sports stadium with a rich history of hosting professional baseball, rugby, and collegiate athletics. Originally opened in 1997, the venue has undergone several identity shifts and physical transformations to remain a cornerstone of the local sporting community.
The stadium is most recognized for its long tenure as a baseball park, serving as the home for the New Orleans Zephyrs and later the New Orleans Baby Cakes. Today, it has transitioned into a multi-purpose facility, most recently serving as the home for the New Orleans Gold of Major League Rugby (MLR).
Key Facts
- Location: 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana.
- Capacity: 10,000 seats.
- Ownership: State of Louisiana.
- Original Cost: US$26 million (approximately $52.1 million in 2025 dollars).
- Architects: Populous (formerly HOK Sport) and Perez Apc ARCHITECTS PLUS.
- Current Primary Tenant: New Orleans Gold (MLR).
A History of Name Changes and Transitions
The stadium's identity has evolved alongside its tenants. It opened in 1997 as Zephyr Field, the home of the New Orleans Zephyrs. Over time, the public address announcer began using the unofficial name "Shrine on Airline," which eventually became the official name in 2017 when the baseball team rebranded as the New Orleans Baby Cakes.
Following the departure of Minor League Baseball from New Orleans at the end of the 2019 season—with the Baby Cakes relocating to become the Wichita Wind Surge—the stadium entered a period of transition. While city officials initially sought to attract another Double-A Southern League team, Major League Baseball's reorganization of the minors in 2021 ended those efforts. Consequently, the venue was repurposed with a rectangular field to accommodate football and rugby, leading to its current designation as Gold Mine on Airline.
Resilience and Recovery
The stadium has played a role in the region's resilience during times of crisis. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the facility was utilized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Army National Guard as a rescue facility. To repair the damage caused by the storm, the state of Louisiana approved $21 million in recovery funds in 2006.
Beyond disaster relief, the stadium has been a hub for collegiate sports. It served as the primary home for the Tulane Green Wave baseball program during the 2006 and 2007 seasons while their on-campus facility, Greer Field at Turchin Stadium, underwent renovations.
Major Sporting Events
Throughout its history, the venue has hosted several high-profile tournaments and games, including:
- The 1998 and 2001 Conference USA baseball tournaments.
- The 1999 Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament.
- The 1999 Triple-A All-Star Game, where the Pacific Coast League defeated the International League 9–5.
- The Class 5A Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) baseball tournaments in 2004 and 2005.
- The annual Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic college baseball game from 2004 to 2019.
Stadium Features and Attractions
The facility is known for its unique layout and regional flavor. One of its most distinct features is "the Levee," a grass berm seating area beyond center field that represents the highest point in Metairie. The field dimensions are 330 feet (100 m) down the left and right field lines and 400 feet (120 m) to center field.
Fans can enjoy traditional ballpark fare alongside Louisiana specialties, such as muffulettas (a traditional New Orleans sandwich), po' boy sandwiches, jambalaya, and fried catfish. Luxury amenities added in 2006 include 16 luxury suites, a swimming pool, and two hot tubs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Groundbreaking | November 30, 1995 |
| Opening Date | April 11, 1997 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Field Dimensions | LF: 330ft / CF: 400ft / RF: 330ft |
| Notable Tenants | New Orleans Zephyrs/Baby Cakes, New Orleans Storm, New Orleans Gold |
| Pop Culture | Featured in Mr. 3000 (2004) and Failure to Launch (2006) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stadium currently called?
The stadium is currently known as Gold Mine on Airline, reflecting its role as the home for the New Orleans Gold rugby team.
Why did the name change from Zephyr Field to Shrine on Airline?
The name change occurred in 2017 when the New Orleans Zephyrs rebranded as the New Orleans Baby Cakes. "Shrine on Airline" had been an unofficial name used by the public address announcer since the stadium's opening and was adopted as the official name at that time.
What happened to the New Orleans Baby Cakes?
The Baby Cakes relocated to Wichita, Kansas, after the 2019 season, where they now compete as the Wichita Wind Surge.
How was the stadium used after Hurricane Katrina?
The stadium served as a rescue facility for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Army National Guard following the hurricane.
What is "the Levee" at the stadium?
"The Levee" is a grass berm seating area located beyond center field, which is noted for being the highest point in Metairie.