NHL reporter Kevin Weekes reported earlier this week that, per a conversation he had with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, that a group interested in bringing an expansion team to New Orleans, recently met in New York City with league executives. For decades, New Orleans has been synonymous with football, basketball, and, of course, a party atmosphere that rivals any city in the world. But could the Big Easy be on the verge of adding professional hockey to its sports lineup? With recent buzz about potential NHL expansion, New Orleans has emerged as a dark horse candidate. While skeptics may question whether hockey can thrive in the South, history suggests otherwise. Let's take a deep dive into what this could mean for the city, its hockey past, and the potential venues that could house an NHL franchise.
The New Orleans Brass: A Forgotten Hockey Gem
Before dismissing hockey in New Orleans as a pipe dream, let’s rewind to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The city had a professional hockey team—the New Orleans Brass—competing in the ECHL. Remember Mayor Ray Nagin? He was co-owner and President of the team! Playing from 1997 to 2002, the Brass built a respectable following, averaging around 5,000 fans per game at the New Orleans Arena (now the Smoothie King Center).
The team’s tenure was short-lived, but not due to a lack of support. When the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) moved to the city in 2002, the Brass were forced to find a new home, as their agreement to share the arena required them to install costly NHL-quality glass, a move that was financially unfeasible for an ECHL team. With no viable alternative, the Brass folded, leaving a void in the city’s hockey scene.
Potential Venues for an NHL Team
If the NHL were to expand to New Orleans, where would the team play? The city has two main venues that could serve as potential homes: the Smoothie King Center and the Municipal Auditorium.
Smoothie King Center
The Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans, is the most logical choice. It already hosts major sporting events and concerts and has the infrastructure to accommodate a professional sports team. However, to meet NHL standards, the arena would require significant renovations.
Estimated Renovation Costs:
Ice-making equipment: $10-$15 million
Upgraded seating and sightlines: $5-$10 million
Locker room and facility improvements: $5 million
Total Estimated Cost: $20-$30 million
While the Smoothie King Center would need updates, it already has the size and amenities to support an NHL franchise. Plus, it's located downtown, making it accessible for fans and tourists.
Municipal Auditorium
Another intriguing option is the historic Municipal Auditorium. Located in Armstrong Park, the venue was once a hub for entertainment and sporting events but has been dormant for years due to damage sustained from Hurricane Katrina. The Brass hockey team originally played at the Municipal Auditorium before moving to the New Orleans Arena in 1999. Restoring it to NHL standards would be a monumental task, but if done correctly, it could be a unique and historic home for New Orleans hockey.
Estimated Renovation Costs:
Full-scale reconstruction and modernization: $50-$100 million
Ice-making and cooling systems: $15-$20 million
Seating expansion and luxury suites: $30-$40 million
Total Estimated Cost: $100-$160 million
The Municipal Auditorium option would be a long shot, but its location and history make it an exciting possibility if a major investment were made.
Would New Orleans Embrace Hockey Again?
The biggest question remains—would New Orleans fans support an NHL team? The success of the Brass proves that the city has an appetite for hockey. Additionally, the city's sports culture thrives on passion, and an NHL team could carve out a niche alongside the Saints and Pelicans.
Tourism could also play a role. With millions visiting New Orleans every year, a hockey game could be an appealing event for tourists, especially snowbirds from the northern states and even Canada.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of NHL expansion, but it has potential. The city has a history with hockey, a major arena that could be upgraded, and a fan base that has supported hockey before. With the right investment and marketing, the Big Easy could become an NHL city, adding yet another reason for sports fans to visit and locals to rally behind another home team.
The question now is—will the NHL take a chance on New Orleans?
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