Lakefront Arena, multi-purpose arena in New Orleans, Louisiana
Lakefront Arena is a large multipurpose venue in New Orleans located on the University of New Orleans campus that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The building features an open layout with seating arranged around a central stage or court, large display screens, and sightlines that allow audiences in nearly every seat to see clearly.
Lakefront Arena opened on 1 November 1983 with two consecutive Lionel Richie concerts. In 1986 it was renamed for Nat G. Kiefer, a late state senator whose district covered the LSUNO campus and who helped secure state funding for the building. Hurricane Katrina closed it in August 2005 for nearly three years of repairs; it reopened on 2 May 2008.
The arena is named for Nat G. Kiefer, a late state senator whose district covered the LSU New Orleans campus and who helped secure state funding; it was renamed in his honour in 1986. Its grounds hosted Pope John Paul II's mass for over 150,000 people, and Bill Clinton and John Kerry have spoken there. Today it also stages flat-track roller derby, including the Big Easy Rollergirls' annual SweatFest invitational.
The arena has readily available parking nearby and accessible ramps that make entry and exit easy for everyone, including those with mobility needs. Plan to arrive early during major events to avoid long lines at concessions and restrooms.
The arena opened on November 1, 1983, with two consecutive nights by Lionel Richie, and was renamed in 1986 for state senator Nat G. Kiefer, whose district covered the LSUNO campus and who helped secure state funding. On October 8, 1993, Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan suffered a heart attack during a concert here and was taken out by ambulance.
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