Story came out about a week ago. Sounds like the SKC is on its last legs. It may actually be cheaper to build new arena to NBA standards then to renovate. Thoughts?
https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans...e6147e4a3.html
Smoothie King Center has undergone ?minimal renovations? since opening its doors in 1999, and ?most systems and equipment have reached or exceeded their usable life,? according to a copy of a report The Times-Picayune obtained.
In March, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District approved a study of the Smoothie King Center?s infrastructure. The architecture firm Gensler and the consulting company Venue Solutions Group toured the building March 19.
The facility needs assessment report they issued recommended that Smoothie King Center be improved over the next half-decade in a variety of ways.
The report said the building?s sound and public address system ? installed in 1999 ? needs to be replaced; it said the video board hung above center court in 2016 should be upgraded within the next two years; and the three walk-in freezers, which were part of the building?s original construction, have reached the end of their usable life.The report?s findings shift the spotlight onto New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson and Louisiana state officials to either fund a renovation of the nearly 25-year-old building or build a new arena that can house New Orleans? NBA team.
Smoothie King Center, originally known as New Orleans Arena, was built for $199 million. The building also underwent a state-funded $54 million renovation, which concluded in 2014.
In the decade since, destination areas such as the Courtside Club, player locker rooms and exterior LED boards have been upgraded. But much of the building's original infrastructure has not been improved and is in need of work, the facility needs assessment report found.
For example, the portable risers on which there are 2,296 seats is listed as a ?high priority? issue.
?It should be replaced within the next 2-3 years,? the report said.