Proposed renovations to Smoothie King Center facing questions about funding

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A proposed $420-million renovation to the Smoothie King Center is something team officials say is not only critical to keep the Pelicans in New Orleans, but also essential for another effort.

Outside the arena’s walls, there are questions about the proposed $420-million renovation to the facility and where a sizeable chunk of that money would come from.

According to a spokesman for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, owner Gayle Benson is pledging $150 million toward the proposed renovations. The spokesman describes it as a personal commitment to modernize the state-owned building and to shore up the Pelicans’ long-term future in the city.

“We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached, and Mrs. Benson is prepared to back that with substantial private investment,” said Greg Bensel, Senior Vice President of Communications for the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans.

Bensel said Benson’s commitment to New Orleans is clear, but an agreement is still needed well before the Pelicans’ lease expires in 2029.

“Planning, approvals and construction take time, and every delay postpones the larger opportunity downtown while increasing costs,” Bensel said. “If we reach an agreement with the state, we intend to move the Pelicans’ training facility to Champions Square and make a significant investment in that area. Our broader vision is a billion-dollar sports, entertainment and civic district with restaurants, retail, entertainment, office space and welcoming public spaces.”

Nola.com is reporting sources have indicated Governor Jeff Landry would agree to offer $75 million in state money for the renovations.

That leaves a funding gap of roughly $200 million, which the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (LSED) would have to fill.

The LSED is the state sponsored agency overseeing the Smoothie King Center. Its chairman released the following statement:

“The LSED is working to reach an agreement on the renovations for the Smoothie King Center that makes financial sense for all parties involved. We do not have a timeframe for when that will be done,” wrote Rob Vosein, LSED Chairman.

The proposed renovations would add more than 2,100 lower-level seats and upgrades to the campus between the Smoothie King Center and the Superdome.

While the renovations would revolve around basketball, the Saints and tourism leaders said they’re key to helping New Orleans host a future Super Bowl in the city.

“No one has ever stated that securing a Super Bowl is predicated on a long-term Smoothie King Center agreement with the Pelicans. A renovated Smoothie King Center would strengthen and enhance New Orleans’ Super Bowl hosting package, and that benefit was communicated to state leadership. Hosting requires quality venues, hotels and space for activities throughout the week—not just a football stadium,” said Greg Bensel.

The current lease between the Pelicans and the arena expires in 2029. If the funding can be secured, there are big hopes the renovations can be finished in time for the city to put in a bid for the Super Bowl in 2031.

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