In case the New Orleans Arena's questionable name change to the Smoothie King Center wasn't enough excitement, more changes are in store for the the concert venue/home to pro b-ballers, the New Orleans Pelicans. As part of a $54 million makeover, the faded aquamarine exterior will be replaced by an "updated color scheme," The Times-Pic reports. There's no word yet on what color the building will be, but what the hell, with a name like the Smoothie King Center you might as well own up to it and go all out with berry-bright blends. Maybe. There will also be a new front entrance, lobby, and box office, plus the addition of a 2,000-square foot sports lounge. Work is scheduled to start August 2 with an early October re-opening. Following the lead of its next door neighbor, the Superdome, the Smoothie King Center will get lit up by a similar LED lighting system. No word if a glowing smoothie will highlight the exterior like the Mercedes Benz logo on the 'dome.
· Renovation plans expected to include changing the exterior color of the Smoothie King Center [NOLA.com]
· Goodbye, New Orleans Arena. Hello, Smoothie King Center [Curbed NOLA]
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