Photos by Lance Sutehall and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Pete Maravich Assembly Center N Stadium Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70893
Year Opened: 1972
Capacity: 13,215
Geaux Tigers
The LSU Tigers basketball program has called the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) home since 1972. In 1988 the then “LSU Assembly Center” was renamed in honor of LSU Tigers basketball legend Pete Maravich after Maravich passed away.
The LSU Tigers men’s program is very competitive in the SEC having won a national championship in 1935, making four final fours, and having 24 NCAA tournament appearances. In addition to Pete Maravich, Shaquille O’Neal and Ben Simmons have played for the Tigers.
Food & Beverage 3
Concessions are for the most part the standard stadium fare. This is a disappointment for Louisiana standards since the state is known for Cajun cuisine. The sausage po’boy sandwich ($8) is the only concession that stood out as being unique. The concession stands are cashless.
The generic fare includes Papa John’s pizza ($9), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($5), candy ($5), pretzels ($5.50), and Coca-Cola brand 22oz. sodas ($4.75), 32 oz. souvenir cup ($7.25), and bottled water ($3.50).
Alcohol is sold at the arena. Budweiser products are sold for $9 while craft beers are sold for $10. If you wanted to you could also buy a bottle of wine for $50.
Atmosphere 5
The relative disappointment in the concessions is washed away when you take in the atmosphere of the arena. Before you walk in you see Mike the Tiger’s habitat and his statue.
When you go sit down you will sit in one of the thousands of purple cushioned seats that surround the court. You won’t be able to miss one of the largest scoreboards in college basketball hanging over the basketball court.
If you keep looking up you will see banners recognizing LSU’s final four runs, its men’s national championship in 1935, and several retired jerseys honoring LSU legends including Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq has a statue in front of the Tigers practice facility.
Neighborhood 3
LSU’s campus is located just south of downtown Baton Rouge. The arena is located right next to Tiger Stadium and the Bernie Moore track stadium. The campus borders the North Gate community which makes LSU students and faculty within walking distance of several restaurants, a CVS pharmacy, and coffee shops.
If you are interested in a pregame/postgame meal or drink the Chimes bar is located in the North Gate community and Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar is just a few miles south. Lodging options include the Cook Hotel on campus or Hampton, Courtyard, Hilton, Hotel Indigo, and Watermark in nearby downtown Baton Rouge.
Fans 4
The Maravich Assembly Center has a large capacity for SEC standards because LSU fans show up for Tiger basketball. The fans show up dressed up in purple and gold while showing support for their Tigers the whole game.
The Bengal Brass Basketball Band keeps the atmosphere up by playing during every break in basketball action. The LSU Tigers dance team and cheerleaders do their part to keep the crowd engaged.
Access 3
Assuming you have a car the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is fairly easy to get to no matter which direction you are coming from.
From I110, take the Government Street exit to St. Philip Street. Turn left, and St. Philip Street becomes Nicholson Drive. Keep going down Nicholson Drive until you get to Stadium Drive.
From I10 Eastbound, turn off at exit 155A to Nicholson Drive. Keep going down Nicholson Drive until you get to Stadium Drive.
From I10 Westbound, turn off at 156B to Dalrymple Drive. Stay on Dalrymple until it turns to Field House Drive. Turn right onto Stadium Drive.
If you want to park for free I recommend parking at the campus mounds lot by the Hill Memorial Library. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Library to the Maravich Center.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets start at $10 for upper bowl seats in non-conference games. The prices go up a few dollars for SEC or major non-conference opponents. If you buy a cheap ticket, pay for parking, grab a sausage po’boy sandwich, and purchase a souvenir cup you will spend about $40 by yourself, $70 for a date or hangout, and $130 for a family of four. I think that seems like a great deal for SEC basketball action.
Extras 5
The LSU Women’s basketball team won the 2023 National Championship. Their banner hangs in the rafters and part of the court used during that final four is on display in the concourse.
After Hurricane Katrina hit the arena became the largest triage center in US history with over 800 beds. The Pelicans played a game at the arena due to being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
The arena is a popular concert stop given that it’s the largest arena in Louisiana outside New Orleans.
Final Thoughts
LSU is known in several sports to be an intimidating program to play. Basketball is no exception. The fans do an excellent job of showing pride in their school and their teams. Baton Rouge is a must-stop for any college town tour.
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