NEW ORLEANS ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER: The Site for Barrett-Jackson’s Louisiana Auction
August 17, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Ernest Nathan “Dutch” Morial, a prominent civil rights advocate, made significant contributions as an American politician. He made history by becoming the first African American mayor of New Orleans, holding office from 1978 to 1986. During his tenure, Mayor Morial actively championed the development of a new convention center to replace the outdated Rivergate meeting facility, which could no longer accommodate the city’s needs.
In 1981, the city broke ground on the first phase of the newly envisioned New Orleans Convention Center. This ambitious project reached completion in May 1984, just in time to serve as the expansive exhibition space for the renowned 1984 World’s Fair. The fair spanned from May to November of that year, showcasing various exhibits and attracting visitors from around the globe. Subsequently, beginning in January 1985, the convention center opened its doors to a host of other events.
With increasing demand to host events in the world-famous city, the New Orleans Convention Center expanded further in 1991 with the inauguration of its second phase, effectively doubling its footprint.
In 1992, the convention center underwent a significant renaming to become the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, paying tribute to the late mayor who had unexpectedly passed away in 1989. The new appellation served as a fitting homage to Mayor Morial’s contributions to the community and his vision for a modern convention facility in New Orleans.
Continuing its growth and success, the convention center welcomed its third phase in 1999. Expanding to an impressive footprint of over 10 blocks, the convention center has emerged as a significant economic powerhouse for New Orleans. During this same year the convention center achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a record-high attendance of 885,997 individuals (more than double the base population of the city proper).
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center now boasts the distinction of being home to the largest exhibit hall in the United States, offering a vast expanse of 1.1 million square feet of display space, making it the sixth largest convention facility in the entire nation. What sets it apart is that this expansive area is located under one roof, all on a single level. This unique feature creates an optimal environment for hosting a wide array of events, such as Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction, September 28-30. The venue provides the ideal location to showcase hundreds of spectacular auction cars all in one building, complete with space for the Exhibitor Marketplace, auction arena and the Barrett-Jackson Fan Zone.
The Convention Center also has a wide variety of permanent dining options that include three on-site restaurants featuring live local music and menus of iconic Louisiana dishes by award-winning chef Donald Link, chef/owner of Herbsaint, Cochon and Cochon Butcher. There is even a bar modeled after an iconic New Orleans streetcar, plus a variety of concession stands.
Inside the center, and along with the Barrett-Jackson team, you will find a team of dedicated Guest Service Ambassadors (GSAs) who serve as information liaisons between the facility and its guests. Positioned throughout the expansive lobby, you can easily identify these helpful ambassadors by their distinctive purple jackets.
Barrett-Jackson’s host hotel, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, is conveniently situated just down the street from the convention center, making it an easy walk for attendees. Those preferring to drive to the auction will find ample parking available at the convention center for a daily fee. To cater to the needs of electric vehicle owners, there are four free charging stations located in Lot F, specifically at 400 Calliope Street. Attendees also have the option of reserving a parking space in advance using the ParkMobile app, available in the App Store and Google Play. For the convenience of guests using taxis or rideshare services, there are designated zones specifically designated for drop-off and pick-up near the Convention Center.
The Convention Center is approximately 17 miles (a 35-minute drive) from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (commercial and private flights) and 10 miles (a 15-minute drive) from the New Orleans Lakefront Airport (private flights).
Join Barrett-Jackson in Louisiana September 28-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, located at 900 Convention Center Blvd. For more information regarding the inaugural New Orleans Auction, click here.