Municipal Auditorium (New Orleans)

The Municipal Auditorium is a 7,853-seat multi-purpose arena in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a component of the New Orleans Cultural Center, alongside the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts.[1] It is located in the Tremé neighborhood in Louis Armstrong Park adjacent to Congo Square.

Municipal Auditorium
Location1201 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
Coordinates29°57′41″N 90°4′9″W
OwnerCity of New Orleans
OperatorCity of New Orleans
Capacity7,853
Construction
OpenedMay 30, 1930
Construction costUS$2 million
General contractorGeorge A. Caldwell
Tenants
New Orleans Buccaneers (ABA) (1969–1970)
New Orleans Jazz (NBA) (1974–1975)
New Orleans Brass (ECHL) (1997–1999)

History

The auditorium opened on May 30, 1930.[2] It was designed by Favrot and Livaudais Architects, and constructed by contractor George A. Caldwell. It has hosted many concerts and events, perhaps being best known as the site of many of the New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe balls.

On August 24, 1956, Joe Brown defeated Wallace “Bud” Smith to win the lightweight title in a fifteen-round split decision.[3]

It hosted the New Orleans Buccaneers of the American Basketball Association during the 1969–70 season. It also hosted the New Orleans Jazz basketball team, during its inaugural 1974–1975 season, before the team moved to the Louisiana Superdome. The arena was also home ice to the minor-league hockey franchise, the New Orleans Brass, from 1997 to 1999, before they moved into the New Orleans Arena. It has also hosted LHSAA wrestling and professional wrestling matches.[4]

The venue was a temporary casino before the new Harrah's New Orleans building on Canal Street was opened.

In August 2005 the auditorium suffered damage from Hurricane Katrina and associated flooding (see: Effect of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans). Future usage of the arena is currently uncertain.

  • Municipal Auditorium – Congo Square
    Municipal Auditorium – Congo Square
  • Municipal Auditorium – Congo Square Entrance
    Municipal Auditorium – Congo Square Entrance
  • Municipal Auditorium – Basin Street Entrance
    Municipal Auditorium – Basin Street Entrance
  • Municipal Auditorium – Basin Street
    Municipal Auditorium – Basin Street

See also

References
  1. Smith, Norman (30 December 2010). Footprints of Black Louisiana. United States: Xlibris Corporation. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-4568-2631-4. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
  2. "Municipal Auditorium New Orleans, LA". scottymoore.net. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  3. "Joe Brown". 64parishes.org. Retrieved February 16, 2020.
  4. "Pro Wrestling at the Municipal Auditorium: Classic Real New Orleans". wgno.com-ABC. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
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