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Take it Easy

Official Review by Paul Augustin Sr., Stadium Journey Correspondent

The New Orleans Arena seats up to 18,000 depending on the event. Regardless of the type and nature of the event, there are no seats that should be considered as "bad" seats. The sight lines are excellent, regardless of where you sit. The primary differences between the most expensive and least expensive seats are your proximity to the action in the event and the amount of leg and hip room in the seat. The New Orleans Arena provides a first-class experience and is definitely worthy of a visit. If only the team was better. Maybe next year.

Food & Beverage    5

On this particular day, we took the long way around to our seats to get a good feel for the variety of food, beverages and other concessions available. The selection was what you would expect in a sports venue in a city that is internationally renown for its food. You can enjoy everything from traditional stadium fare such as hamburgers and hotdogs to New Orleans specialties such as barbequed shrimp, red beans and rice and jambalaya. I saw prime rib on a roll, sushi, and tempura. The prices seem a bit high to me, but no higher than any other sports venue.

Living in a city where the bars never close, you come to expect a lot from the adult beverage concessions. Those in the arena did not disappoint. There was a good selection of national, local, and international beers as well as premium brands of liquor.

Atmosphere    3

The New Orleans Arena celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 29, 2009. In its brief history, the arena has been home to two professional hockey teams, an Arena Football League franchise team and the New Orleans Hornets. It has been the site of NCAA men's and women's basketball games and the women's volleyball championship. The arena was the site of Rev. Billy Graham's retirement, has hosted professional boxing, the Ringling Brother's Barnum and Bailey Circus and almost every major concert tour in the last ten years.

The Hornets had a painful 2009-2010 season. Star point-guard Chris Paul, long-range shooting specialist Peja Stojakovic, and numerous other players spent a large part of the season injured. Even though rookie guards Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton were arguably the most exciting rookie backcourt in NBA history, without its stars the Hornets just did not draw the fans this year.

Neighborhood    5

The New Orleans Arena is on the same campus as the Louisiana Superdome, home of the world champion New Orleans Saints. Saints owner Tom Benson has recently purchased an office tower and a shopping center adjacent to the Superdome and Arena and is in the process of converting it into a sports haven.

The arena is in the hub of New Orleans' central business district. It is in walking distance of dozens of hotels, over eighty restaurants, countless bars, Harrah's Casino, and the convention center. It is also a long walk or a short cab ride to New Orleans' historic French Quarter.

There are volumes written about restaurants in New Orleans. If you like to eat, New Orleans is the place for you. Here are two places that are a must for any visitor:

NOLA - Emeril Lagasse has taken his adopted home New Orleans with a whirlwind of fresh adaptations of classic Creole cuisine. Whether you go for lunch or dinner, the barbequed shrimp are a must have. This dish has nothing to do with barbequed food. Rather these are jumbo shrimp served in a spicy, tangy sauce that is finger licking good. Although walk-ins can be accommodated, reservations are very highly recommended. The dress code is business casual.

Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant is an upscale casual restaurant in the nearby Warehouse/Arts district that features an acclaimed menu by Chef Donald Link. Herbsaint has one of the best wine lists in the city along with an extremely experienced staff. The gumbo of the day is highly recommended along with the fresh fish of the day. Expect a lunch to set you back at least $25, twice that for dinner.

Bars, restaurants, hotels, the French Quarter - what more could a sports fan desire? A perfect five in my book.

Fans    2

Hornets fans are average at best. In February of 2009, the Hornets were considered the up and coming team in the NBA West. It was thought that they would be the team to finally challenge the Lakers. Games were frequently sold out. The joint was really jumping. Multiple injuries and bad contracts have dropped the once promising Bees into NBA mediocrity. The fan base has suffered accordingly.

Access    4

Since the arena is located on the same campus as the Louisiana Superdome, there is more than ample on-site indoor and outdoor parking to accommodate a sold out basketball game. There is also ample on-street parking. Prices range from $8 to $20.

There are plenty of conveniently located restrooms in the arena. They are clean and well-appointed.

Return on Investment    3

The overall experience at the New Orleans Arena is above average. I went to several games this year where I saw the Hornets get completely blown out. No matter how good the food, drinks, or halftime entertainment, watching a blow-out game is not a good return for the money. I am rating this as high as a three on the hopeful assumption that the new Hornets coach, whomever he may be, will right the ship and make the Hornets contenders once again.

Extras    5

The ticket taking and bag inspection process was very quick and efficient. We were through the gates and on the concourse in less than five minutes. The staff was well trained, courteous, and friendly with service you would expect in a three or four-star hotel, not in a sports arena. For me, this is a big plus.

Before every home game, there is a huge free concert and fan experience setup between the Superdome and the New Orleans Arena. There is something there for young children, teenagers, and adults.

The three most important things in the retail business are location, location, and location. For its extremely convenient location and the large number of nearby bars, restaurants, and hotels, I am awarding two bonus points.

Finally, if you like star-watching, you will like this arena. Due to some generous state tax credits, New Orleans is now the third-leading film making city in the country. On any given night, you might see any number of famous people.

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