THE HISTORY OF THE ALARIO CENTER

In 1993, the state approved the refinancing of the Louisiana Superdome's original construction bonds, this produced a $215 million package for a number of public facilities in the New Orleans Area.  The entire package is supported by a four percent hotel/motel tax that was originally dedicated to the Superdome bond debt.  This method of funding new and improved facilities, at no cost to the local taxpayers was a somewhat new concept when it was instituted to build the $163 million Superdome.  

Included in the $215 million package were $20.5 million dedicated to Superdome improvements. In addition to the Superdome improvements were:

• Construction of new training facility for the New Orleans Saints
• Construction of New Orleans Arena
• Construction of Zephyr Field
• Construction of John A. Alario Sr. Event Center
• Expansion of Ponchartrain Center
• Improvement of Jefferson Parish Recreation Facility & Joe Brown Memorial Park

THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME

John A. Alario, Sr., for whom the Alario Center was named, was born in Grand Isle, Louisiana on April 22, 1924, and moved to Westwego with his family at the age of two.  Following in his father’s footsteps, John began fishing when he was twelve and eventually also became a commercial fisherman.  He later obtained a position with the Jefferson Parish School System as a maintenance engineer where he eventually retired.  Mr. Alario passed away June 27, 1985.   

CLICK HERE to read more about John A. Alario, Sr.

BAYOU SEGNETTE SPORTS COMPLEX 
COMPONENTS AT A GLANCE:

• Alario Center’s Main Hall with fixed seating for 2,400 spectators.
• Three additional hardwood courts with seating for 250 spectators each.
• 30,240 square feet of column-free exhibit space.
• Segnette Field state-of-the-art baseball stadium with seating for 650 fans.
• Full service catering for up to 1,500 patrons by Messina’s Catering.
• 1,000 lighted parking spaces.

The Alario Center is currently the temporary practice facility of the NBA's New Orleans Hornets and Segnette Field is the home of Loyola University Baseball.  Some of the annual events hosted at the Bayou Segnette Sports Complex include:

ATHLETIC EVENTS
Hurricane Volleyball Classic
Volleyball New Orleans
World Wide Spirit Association-Crescent City Cup
Creole Classic Gymnastics
Spirit Blast Cheer & Dance Championships
Westbank Optimist Challenge
AAU Boys Super Regional Basketball Tournament
AAU Boys State Basketball Tournaments
Governor’s Games Boys Basketball Tournament
Babe Ruth Baseball League/Tournament
Memorial Day Roundball Classic
Dance Recitals from seven different dance studios
AAU Boy's National Basketball Championships
Basketball on the Bayou
Men’s Senior Baseball League Tournament
Battle on the Bayou
Mardi Gras Nationals' Jingle Blast
Spirit Blast Cheer & Dance Regional
Rumble on the River

SOCIAL & PUBLIC EVENTS
Liquidation Extravaganza (four weeks annually)
Krewe of Armeinius Mardi Gras Ball
Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Ball
GNO Expo Bird Shows (three times annually)
Governor’s Luncheon to benefit Hope Haven
Parish President’s Prayer Dinner
Wild Game Dinner
The Louisiana Reptile & Exotic Animal Expo (twice annually)
Drug Court Gala
People's Health--Health Screenings/Lectures (monthly)
Graduation ceremonies as many as twelve schools
Jefferson Parish School Board Job Fair
Department of Homeland Security-Citizenship Ceremonies
Senior Expo (every other year)
WJMC Holiday Bike Give-a-way