Alario Center

Did you ever hear of a building that housed NBA dreams, robots, and graduation ceremonies? I’m talking about the Alario Center. Here in Westwego, this isn’t just another event center. The Alario Center is a testament to how one place can wear many hats. Opened in 1999, the Alario Center was part of a larger initiative to boost public facilities in the New Orleans area, funded cleverly by a hotel/motel tax. This meant that local taxpayers didn’t foot the bill for this 2,400-seat marvel. For a decade, the Alario Center served as the practice facility for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans (then the Hornets). Imagine young basketball stars honing their skills on these very grounds. But the Alario Center’s story doesn’t stop with basketball. Its six hardwood courts have seen everything from intense AAU tournaments to graceful gymnastic meets. From the thunderous energy of wrestling matches, both professional and amateur, to the focused concentration of a FIRST Robotics Competition. Even Hollywood has come knocking. Movies like “Get Hard” with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart and “Big Momma’s House 2” with Martin Lawrence have filmed scenes within these walls. The Alario Center has also played host to concerts, graduations, and numerous sales and expos. It’s a space that adapts to the needs of the community, a true multi-purpose arena. This blend of sports, entertainment, and community events is what makes the Alario Center truly special. So, the next time you’re in Westwego and you hear the roar of a crowd or the rhythmic thump of a basketball, it might just be the Alario Center writing another chapter in its vibrant story.