New Orleans Morial Convention Center: A Hub of History and Scale
Located in the heart of Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center stands as a massive architectural landmark on the banks of the Mississippi River. Positioned approximately 1,640 feet upriver from Canal Street, this sprawling complex serves as a primary engine for tourism and business in the Crescent City.
The facility is named in honor of Ernest Nathan Morial, the first African American mayor of New Orleans. With a main building stretching one kilometer in length and covering nearly 11 city blocks, it is recognized as the seventh largest convention center in the United States.
Key Facts
- Total Space: Over 3 million square feet.
- Exhibit Space: Approximately 1.1 million square feet.
- Theater Capacity: 4,032 seats in the New Orleans Theater.
- National Ranking: 7th largest convention center in the U.S.
- Current Status: Undergoing a multi-phased renovation through 2029.
History and Evolution
Planning for the center began in 1978, with the initial phase of construction tied to the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. Since its official opening in 1985, the facility has expanded through a series of additions moving further upriver. Originally named the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in 1992, it was renamed the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in 2008 to better highlight its geographic location for international and national visitors.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina
In August 2005, the center's role shifted from a venue for entertainment—such as the taping of Wheel of Fortune—to a site of humanitarian crisis. Following the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, the facility became an unofficial evacuation center. Between 20,000 and 25,000 survivors sought refuge there, often directed by police or word of mouth.
Conditions within the center were dire; for several days, thousands of people lacked power, water, food, medical supplies, and proper sanitation. This lack of resources led to reports of deaths caused by dehydration, lack of medication, and violence. The crisis gained national attention through networks like CNN and Fox, highlighting a delayed government response. The center was eventually declared evacuated on September 4, 2005.
Modernization and Future Growth
Following the disaster, the center underwent a complete renovation finished in November 2006. This phase introduced the New Orleans Theater, a 4,032-seat venue dedicated to Broadway shows, concerts, and special events.
In 2013, a $52 million project transformed Hall A into the Great Hall, a 60,000-square-foot column-free ballroom, complemented by 26,000 square feet of prefunction space and a new entrance on Julia Street.
Ongoing Developments (2018–2029)
The facility is currently in the midst of a $557 million multi-phased upgrade project scheduled for completion in late 2029. These improvements include:
- An energy-efficient roofing system.
- Technology upgrades for meeting rooms.
- The creation of a linear park.
- Comprehensive lobby improvements.
Additionally, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority has partnered with Omni Hotels & Resorts to develop a 1,000-room headquarters hotel and an additional 100,000 square feet of meeting space to anchor the complex.
Major Events and Hosting
The center is a premier destination for high-profile sports and entertainment events. Notable gatherings have included:
- Super Bowl Experience: Hosted in 2013 and scheduled again for February 2025.
- NBA All-Star Events: Including the Jam Session, Celebrity Game, and practices in 2014.
- Combat Sports: PFL 8 mixed martial arts event in 2018.
- Pageantry: The 71st Miss Universe competition in January 2023.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130 |
| Total Area | >3 million sq. ft. |
| Exhibit Space | ~1.1 million sq. ft. |
| Opened | 1985 |
| Owner | Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the convention center named after?
The center is named after Ernest Nathan Morial, who served as the first African American mayor of New Orleans.
How large is the New Orleans Morial Convention Center?
It is the seventh largest convention center in the U.S., featuring over 3 million square feet of total space and approximately 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space.
What is the Great Hall?
The Great Hall is a 60,000-square-foot column-free ballroom created during a $52 million renovation of Hall A in 2013.
What upgrades are planned for the facility by 2029?
A $557 million renovation is underway, which includes a new energy-efficient roof, technology upgrades in meeting rooms, a linear park, and lobby improvements.
Will there be a hotel attached to the center?
Yes, an agreement with Omni Hotels & Resorts will bring a 1,000-room headquarters hotel and 100,000 square feet of additional meeting space to the site.