- Michael Davis
Devlin Fieldhouse – Tulane Green Wave
Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Devlin Fieldhouse 10 McAlister Place New Orleans, LA 70118
Year Opened: 1933
Capacity: 4,100
History Continues at Tulane’s Devlin Fieldhouse
Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse is home to the Tulane Green Wave basketball and volleyball programs. Tulane Green Wave basketball has been played at the historic building on campus, since the 1930s. The financing for the building of the gymnasium was funded from Tulane’s football team’s 1932 Rose Bowl appearance vs USC. This gave the Tulane Gymnasium, the unofficial name, “Rose Bowl Gym” by many Tulane supporters.
The new gymnasium was dedicated on Oct. 27, 1933, as part of Tulane’s homecoming festivities. The first game was six weeks later, as Tulane defeated UL-Lafayette, 38-34, on Dec. 15, 1933. Despite, not having court-level seats until 1948, Tulane Gym was one of the largest in college basketball in 1933.
Devlin Fieldhouse is the 9th oldest active college basketball arena in the nation. However, the Tulane basketball program did venture out to the Louisiana Superdome for a select number of games in the 1970s. The program moved all its home games back on campus in 1981-82, after a slight renovation.
On November 9, 2012, the historic 85-year-old venue became Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse after renovation construction brought Devlin Fieldhouse to the current gymnasium.
Devlin Fieldhouse has had other use besides Tulane Athletics. The arena held three National Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star Games, while the NCAA Men’s Final Four was being played in downtown New Orleans. Avron B. Fogelman in Devlin Fieldhouse played host to two Conference USA Women’s Basketball Tournaments. One of the most famous events to be held inside the building was a non-sporting event; when President Gerald Ford announced the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
Food & Beverage 3
There is a concession stand in the main lobby and one in the seating area on the upper concourse. They all offer the basics in way of food such as hot dogs, nachos, hamburgers, pretzels, and popcorn. A local spice is added to the menu in jambalaya and crawfish nachos. The food menu prices are $4 for hot dogs to the highest price at $8 for nachos and hamburgers. Jambalaya cost $7 a bowl.
Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse does sell Coke products for $4 a bottle. There is alcohol sold at the concessions in beer and wine for $8. On every trip to New Orleans, fans should venture to the local cuisine, so the basic food and beverage concessions inside Devlin are perfect for a slight snack before exploring New Orleans.
Atmosphere 3
Tulane doesn’t have the big game atmosphere like conference foes Connecticut, Memphis, or Houston. Devlin Fieldhouse is the 9th oldest building to entertain college basketball and has the smallest seating capacity in the American Athletic Conference. However, Devlin Fieldhouse provides a unique, old-school basketball experience that the other schools can’t match. The small capacity of only 4,100 with an attendance of around 1,500 provides a close and intimate setting.
The sidelines have plastic seats while the baseline has bleachers. The Tulane students are located on the sidelines across from the team’s benches. The entrance into the arena is on the lower level through glass doors, instead of the now common upper level. This creates a feeling of walking into a high school or YMCA gymnasium. There isn’t a bad seat in the arena to watch basketball.
The Shockwave Band, Tulane’s dance and spirit squads keep the energy to the expectations of college basketball. Devlin Fieldhouse continues to provide a great venue to watch a basketball game.
Neighborhood 5
The American Athletic Conference schools are in many of the nation’s great tourist cities, such as Memphis, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Dallas. However, Tulane could arguably be the best with New Orleans. A fan’s stadium journey to attend a Tulane basketball game has more than a wonderful historic arena to visit. Travelers have a whole world to explore in the area around Tulane and New Orleans.
The campus neighborhood is perfect for students without visiting the touristy French Quarter. There are a few college bars in the area such as The Boot off-Broadway, that has music, cold beer, and a bar menu of loaded fries. Camellia Grill just west of the campus is an American restaurant serving great breakfast and burgers. Close to the Camellia Grill is The Milk Bar restaurant offering gourmet sandwiches and salads, but it is their signature milkshakes that bring the crowd. To the east side of the campus, there is Dat Dog, a Tulane favorite, serving a variety of hot dogs and sausages including the Alligator Sausage Dog.
The easiest thing to do for entertainment is to head to downtown New Orleans. If you do, there is the National WW II Museum that gets lost in New Orleans attractions. However, for those fans that want to avoid The Big Easy, across the street from Tulane University are Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo. For NFL fans, take a short walk across campus to Yulman Stadium. Yulman Stadium is on the site of the former Tulane Stadium. Tulane Stadium was the first home to the New Orleans Saints as well as the site of three Super Bowls. Super Bowl IV, VI, and IX with Super Bowl VI and IX being two of the coolest outdoor Super Bowls.
Those that do venture into New Orleans should, as The Big Easy is more than just a day trip. The city becomes alive at night, so make the trip to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. While on Bourbon Street visit New Orleans’ famous Pat O’Brien’s where the signature hurricane drink is a checklist item. There are so many options on Bourbon Street, such as Cat’s Meow acclaimed titled the “Best Karaoke Bar in the World,” select a favorite or just taste the daiquiris in Fat Tuesday, or visit the Hard Rock New Orleans for food or a souvenir. After a night out on Bourbon Street, enjoy a morning breakfast at Cafe Beignet on Bourbon Street. A perfect place for beignets and coffee while listening to live music.
New Orleans offers plenty of lodging for Tulane University visitors. The Le Pavillon is in the Central Business District on Poydras Street. Others in the CBD area are the Hyatt Regency-New Orleans and The Troubadour Hotel. The Hampton Inn or the Best Western in the Garden District is easy to access to the streetcar hop to Tulane while being close to the Central Business District and French Quarter.
Fans 2
The Tulane basketball attendance numbers will not wow anyone; the average attendance numbers over the last two years are around 1,500 which ranks Tulane last in the American Athletic Conference. Although, while on game day the fans are under-half of the seating capacity, the fans in attendance are actively involved in the game. There are plenty of cheers and jeers throughout the game. The fans interact well and enjoy the presence of Tulane’s cheerleaders and Shockwave band entertainment.
Access 3
Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse is on the campus of Tulane University. Tulane University is 5 miles from New Orleans’ Famous French Quarter District in The New Orleans (MSY) Louis Armstrong International Airport is 14 miles west by Interstate 10.
Despite Tulane University is close to downtown New Orleans, the campus is in a neighborhood of narrow one-way streets that could make a first-time trip seem a lot harder than it really is, so using a GPS system is recommended. Once arriving at the arena, access becomes easy. Tulane offers free parking to the public on all men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball game days. The Loyola RecPlex Garage is located on Freret Street adjacent to the arena; across from the Tulane University School of Law. The Loyola RecPlex Garage can be accessed after 5 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekend game days. There are signs stating Loyola University prohibits vehicles from backing into parking spaces. So please follow these signs as any vehicles that back into spaces are subject to ticketing by Loyola University parking services.
There are ADA services. Shuttles are provided and begin 1 hour prior to game time and will run from the Loyola Garage to the front of Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse on Freret Street. The shuttles will run continuously throughout the game and will conclude 30 minutes post-game. For fans using Lyft, the pickup and drop-off location is in front of Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse on Freret Street.
Another unique transportation for fans is the St Charles Streetcar. An easy way for fans with time or stay in hotels downtown. The Streetcar does require an exact change or a prepaid pass, or you will not be able to ride. The main entrance is in front of Devlin Fieldhouse on Freret Street.
Fans enter in the renovated lobby behind the ticket office, and then through glass doors to the court. The seating aisles go up to the upper concourse level where fans can walk around to a team store and concession stand. The arena’s signage is easy to navigate although, the small arena is simple without signage.
Return on Investment 5
Tulane Men’s basketball single-game tickets can be purchased for $25 for chair back seats or $15 for bleacher seats and with free parking attending a Tulane basketball game will not cost a fortune. In return, fans get to watch quality basketball inside a historic venue that might just be the best return on investment in college basketball.
.
Extras 4
Devlin Fieldhouse's location is in one of the country’s favorite cities. The campus has a small neighborhood feel, yet is close enough to enjoy all New Orleans treasures. Tulane University and its staff recognize that Devlin Fieldhouse is much more than a place to play basketball. The continuing upgrades over the years, show commitment to fans while keeping the historic venue alive.
Final Thoughts
Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse is a hidden gem to watch basketball. Being in New Orleans is a great reason to make a trip to the arena. Devlin Fieldhouse is the 9th oldest active basketball arena in the country, yet, it doesn’t have the prestige of Kansas’ Phog Allen Fieldhouse or Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. I understand, that those two arenas are home to basketball’s blue-collar programs that Tulane can’t match. Of course, if given the option, Kansas or Duke would be the overwhelming choice for a fan. However, Tulane’s Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse should be on that college basketball bucket list.