LSUNO Lakefront Arena
The Senator Nat G. Kiefer LSU New Orleans Lakefront Arena, commonly known as the Lakefront Arena or LSUNO Lakefront Arena, is a premier multi-purpose venue located in New Orleans, Louisiana. With a seating capacity of 8,933, the arena serves as a vital center for collegiate athletics, professional sporting events, and world-class entertainment.
Opened on November 1, 1983, the venue debuted with two consecutive nights of performances by Lionel Richie. In 1986, it was renamed to honor the late state senator Nat G. Kiefer, whose efforts were instrumental in securing state funding for the facility. Situated on the university's East Campus, the arena is located southwest of Maestri Field, the home of the LSUNO baseball team.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Full Name: Senator Nat G. Kiefer LSU New Orleans Lakefront Arena
- Capacity: 8,933 seats
- Location: 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Primary Tenants: LSU New Orleans Privateers men's and women's basketball
- Opened: November 1, 1983
- Owner/Operator: LSU New Orleans
A Legacy of Collegiate Basketball
The arena was born out of an acute need for a modern basketball facility. LSU New Orleans was a founding member of the Sun Belt Conference but was expelled in 1980 because its previous gym, the Human Performance Center, was deemed unsuitable for league play. The opening of the Lakefront Arena solved this crisis, and on November 26, 1983, the university hosted its first game there—a basketball doubleheader against in-state rival LSU.
Beyond regular season games, the venue has hosted significant collegiate milestones, including the 1991 NCAA Women's basketball Final Four, where the University of Tennessee secured their third national title. Additionally, the arena served as the host for the men's and women's Sun Belt Conference basketball tournaments between 2014 and 2019, as well as the 2002 men's tournament.
Diverse Sporting Events
While basketball is the primary draw, the Lakefront Arena is a versatile multi-surface facility that has hosted a wide array of athletic competitions:
Combat Sports and Wrestling
- Boxing: The arena hosted a full card on July 14, 2018, featuring Regis Prograis vs. Juan Jose Velasco and William Silva vs. Teófimo López.
- MMA: The venue hosted UFC 27 in September 2000.
- Professional Wrestling: The arena has hosted World Championship Wrestling's Halloween Havoc (1993), Ring of Honor's Supercard of Honor XII (2018), and All Elite Wrestling's Dynamite (2022).
- Amateur Wrestling: The LHSAA state wrestling tournaments were held here in 1996 and 1998.
Other Athletics
The arena has been home to the LSU New Orleans Privateers volleyball team (2008–2011) and hosts flat-track roller derby games for the Big Easy Rollergirls and the New Orleans Brass Roller Derby. Furthermore, the LSUNO Aquatic Center, located on the arena grounds, supports the university's swimming and diving teams and has hosted national events such as the AAU National Championships and Junior Olympics.
Entertainment and Major Events
The Lakefront Arena is a staple of the New Orleans music scene, hosting legendary acts including AC/DC, Prince, Nirvana, Lady Gaga, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Notable performances include Sting's 2010 Symphonicities Tour with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a 1998 recording of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant for Westwood One.
The venue also hosts family shows like Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live, as well as comedy sets from stars like Robin Williams and Dave Chappelle. Its significance extends to global events; Pope John Paul II once celebrated mass on the arena grounds for over 150,000 people, and political figures such as Bill Clinton and John Kerry have addressed crowds at the venue.
Resilience After Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused massive damage to the facility, forcing its closure for nearly three years. During the renovation period, the basketball teams returned to the Human Performance Center. The arena celebrated its grand re-opening on May 2, 2008, with a performance by Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour.
Venue Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA |
| Capacity | 8,933 |
| Primary Use | Multi-purpose (Sports, Concerts, Graduations) |
| Key Tenants | LSUNO Privateers Basketball |
| Notable Record | Larry Bird's career-high 60 points (March 12, 1985) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the arena named after?
The arena is named after Senator Nat G. Kiefer, a former state senator who helped the university obtain the state funding necessary to build the facility.
What is the seating capacity of the Lakefront Arena?
The arena can accommodate 8,933 spectators.
Which sports teams call the arena home?
The LSU New Orleans Privateers men's and women's basketball teams are the primary tenants.
What happened to the arena during Hurricane Katrina?
The building sustained massive damage in August 2005 and remained closed for repairs and renovations until its grand re-opening on May 2, 2008.
Has the arena hosted any major NCAA events?
Yes, the arena hosted the 1991 NCAA Women's basketball Final Four, where the University of Tennessee won the national title.