A new entertainment district is being created on riverfront land owned by the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center. Topgolf is set to be its entertainment anchor tenant, with plans for it to open as soon as January 2025.
“Our vision has always been for this mixed-use development to encompass entertainment, housing, and hospitality,” said Jerry Reyes, president of the Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority.
Topgolf will spend roughly $40 million on the new facility, with construction expected to begin in November. It will include 102 climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round play with high-tech balls that score themselves. The venue will provide ample opportunities for corporate hospitality and feature a dedicated event space.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to join the new River District neighborhood and feel our location is ideal for serving the tourism and convention business, as well as the community as a whole,” said Matt Smith, senior director of real estate at Topgolf.
“Our partnership with Topgolf kicks off just the type of inclusive fun everyone can enjoy while helping our vision for the River District come alive,” said Louis Lauricella, co-managing member of River District Neighborhood Investors.
In August of 2022, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority formally approved the terms of the master development of this new district.
The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center has 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space on one level. It is the sixth-largest center in the United States and was recently awarded LEED Gold certification. The venue is a leading contributor to the city’s economy, producing $90.1 billion in economic impact since 1985.