SUN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP A to Z
A
ABOUT NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, it’s home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. Few cities in the world possess a culture or history as vibrant as New Orleans, which was founded by the French on the banks of the Mississippi River in 1718.
When visiting New Orleans, you can find something magical and unforgettable every day. Whether it’s an opportunity to sample our exceptional cuisine, to learn about our rich cultural heritage or a music festival you seek, New Orleans has something for everyone. Our laid back, friendly culture inspires guests to relax, kick up their heels and live it up.
The city is experiencing millions of dollars in hotel renovations and upgrades, there are more than 1,300 restaurants to choose from with new eateries popping up all the time and a variety of attractions to enjoy as well. The city balances a love for tradition with the energy of innovation, resulting in an eclectic vibe found nowhere else.
For more information on New Orleans, please visit - http://www.neworleanscvb.com/.
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
The Lakefront Arena meets or exceeds all structural and service requirements as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Seating is located in various seating sections throughout Lakefront Arena. The box office will handle these requests.
ADDRESS
Lakefront Arena is located at 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122, on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Patrons three (3) years and older must have a ticket to gain entry into Lakefront Arena. Children age two (2) and under may be held in an adult’s lap and are not required to have a ticket to the games.
ALCOHOL
Louisiana Law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Proper identification must be shown to purchase any alcoholic beverage from Lakefront Arena.
ANIMALS
Only service animals are permitted into Lakefront Arena during the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships.
ATM (Automated Teller Machine)
ATMs are located throughout the concourse area at Lakefront Arena. Should further assistance be required, contact Guest Services.
B
BABY CHANGING STATIONS
Baby changing stations are located in both men’s and women’s restrooms at Gates 1 & 4 and Ground 1.
BANNERS/SIGNS
Signs of a derogatory nature directed toward an individual opponent, visiting team or game officials are not permitted in Lakefront Arena. It is the responsibility of event management to remove the signs immediately. Signs may not be affixed to any part of the facility (i.e., railings, chairs, etc.) during the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships.
BOX OFFICE
The Lakefront Arena box office is located on the ground level on the West side of the Arena or Franklin Avenue side of the Arena. The information line is (504) 280-7222.
BRACKET
For the complete men’s championship bracket click HERE. For the women’s championship bracket click HERE.
C
CAMERAS/VIDEO EQUIPMENT
Small still photography cameras are permitted in Lakefront Arena during the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships. Camera lenses must be six (6) inches or less in length. The use of flash photography and video cameras are strictly prohibited.
CONCESSIONS
Concession stands/booths are located throughout the concourse. No outside food or beverages are permitted inside of Lakefront Arena.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted at the Lakefront Arena box office and merchandise stands.
D
DIRECTIONS
From the East (Slidell, Mississippi)
I-10 West towards New Orleans where you can exit onto Franklin Avenue (exit 238A). Turn right onto Franklin Avenue and continue for approximately 2.5 miles. The Arena is located on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Lake Pontchartrain.
From the West
I-10 East to I-610 towards Slidell. On I-610, exit at Franklin Avenue (exit 4). Turn left on to Franklin Avenue and continue for approximately 2.5 miles. The Arena is located on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Lake Pontchartrain.
From Downtown, French Quarter, Uptown
1-10 East towards Slidell. Exit at Elysian Fields Avenue (exit 237). Proceed north (veering left) on Elysian Fields Avenue to Leon C. Simon Blvd. Turn right onto Leon C Simon Blvd. Proceed to 2nd traffic light which is Franklin Avenue. Turn left onto Franklin Avenue and Arena is located on your right. Please be aware that there is NO Franklin Avenue exit off the I-10 from Downtown.
From the Westbank
Cross the Crescent City Connection to I-10 East towards Slidell. Exit at Elysian Fields Avenue. Follow directions above from Downtown.
DOORS OPEN
The Lakefront Arena doors will open approximately one (1) hour prior to tip-off of the day’s first game.
DRIBBLE DRIVE
The Dribble Drive is open to children between the ages of 3 and 12 and will take place on Saturday, March 10th outside of Lakefront Arena. Registration is free and all participants will receive a FREE basketball, FREE t-shirt, and FREE tickets to the men's semifinal games (immediately following the dribble drive) for the child and an accompanying adult. Dribble Drive registration will begin at 9:00 am, Dribble Drive begins at 11:00 am! The Sun Belt Conference Sports Fest is presented by Acme Oyster House, Blue Rhino, First Bank and Trust, Community Coffee, NOLA Motorsports, Walmart, and Amtrak.
E
EMERGENCY EXITS
In the event of an emergency, please follow the Exit signs located at the top of the entrance openings leading to the concourse.
EMT PERSONNEL
EMT services will be available throughout the championship. Should you need any assistance please track down an event staff member or a security officer located at the Lakefront Arena.
EVENT STAFF
Members of the Sun Belt Conference Event Staff are located at the entrances and on the concourse and floor to assist you finding amenities, your seat, lost children and medical and security personnel among other request you may have.
EVICTION POLICY
Lakefront Arena Staff and Event Management personnel reserve the right to remove individuals from the Arena who do not follow Conference rules and regulations and Lakefront Arena policies set forth in this document.
F
FAN/SPORTING BEHAVIOR
It is a principle of the Sun Belt Conference that student-athletes, coaches, athletics administrators, support groups, and all others associated with intercollegiate athletics adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and accountability. The Commissioner is charged with the education of member institutions and game officials regarding Conference policies and procedures. Additionally, the Commissioner is charged with monitoring the enforcement of Conference policies and procedures to ensure consistent and immediate application of policies and appropriate sanctions.
FIRST AID
Safety of all occupants of Lakefront Arena is of primary concern. Any unsafe condition or activity should be immediately reported to Security or an arena employee for medical assistance.
G
GUEST SERVICES
Guest services located on the Lakefront Arena concourse between Ramps 1 & 4.
L
LOST CHILDREN
If for whatever reason a child has been displaced from his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) they will be brought to Guest Services, which is located on the concourse between Ramps 1 & 4.
LOST AND FOUND
Items that have misplaced and given to an event staff member or a member of the security staff will be delivered to Guest Services and then to the Administration office at the conclusion of the Sun Belt Basketball Championships.
M
MERCHANDISE
Fans will be able to get their official 2018 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships gear and apparel throughout the tournament in the concourse of Lakefront Arena. Apparel items will range from t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, visors and other items.
MEDIA DEVICES
Audio and video recording devices are not permitted on the event grounds. Such devices include, but are not limited to video cameras, camcorders, audio recording devices, professional cameras, and lenses exceeding 10” in length.
Professional cameras or any other audio/video recording equipment is allowed only if the user has the proper media credential provided by event organizers.
N
NOISEMAKERS
Any item that interferes with the normal playing of the game or is disturbing to a significant group of persons who have purchased tickets will be prohibited. Artificial noisemakers (air horns, electronic amplifiers, whistles, vuvuzelas, etc.) are not permissible in Lakefront Arena except as part of the official band. Such items will be removed immediately from the arena by event management. Cheerleaders may use electronic amplifiers provided the use is limited to giving instructions to the crowd. Bands will be seated in appropriate areas and will be instructed that they may not play while the game is in progress. Public address announcers may not speak during times when play is in progress. Please Note: Removal of noisemakers (i.e., hand clappers) not listed in this section shall be at the discretion of the game officials. The use of artificial noisemakers shall be prohibited at all tournament games. Megaphones may not be used in any way (e.g., pounding on the floor) as noisemakers while the game is in progress (including during free throw attempts).
FOOD & BEVERAGE
No food and/or drinks may be brought into Lakefront Arena.
P
PARKING
All spectators parking for the Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championships will be FREE.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited in Lakefront Arena:
• Cans, bottles, coolers, or containers
• Laser pens or laser products of any kind
• Flags/signs with poles
• Fireworks
• Any type of food or beverage
• Oversized packages
• Weapons or contraband of any kind
• Animals or pets (except service animals)
• Any other items determined as unacceptable by Lakefront Arena
In the event that prohibited items are revealed during a search, patrons will be permitted to return the items to their vehicle or dispose of them. Lakefront Arena does not safeguard any personal belongings or items of any type.
R
RE-ENTRY
There is a NO re-entry policy for all games.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located throughout Lakefront Arena on the concourse and Ground 1 hallway.
S
SCHEDULE
To view the women’s championship schedule click HERE. To view the men’s championship schedule click HERE.
SMOKING
The Lakefront Arena is a non-smoking facility. Smoking sections are outside of the Arena at Ramp 2 or Ground 1. Guests must be stamped for re-entry.
SPIRIT GROUPS
Spirit groups are expected to understand their role as a representative of the institution and are required to be knowledgeable of institutional, conference and NCAA policies regarding sporting behavior and ethical conduct. Spirit groups are expected to treat all athletics groups, officials and opponents with the utmost respect. Taunting of opponents and other aggressive behavior could result in the individual being removed from the arena.
SPECTATORS
Spectators are a direct reflection of the institution and are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity during sporting events. Event management will monitor the behavior of spectators and handle displays of non-sporting behavior and/or unethical behavior swiftly and consistently. Visitors may be removed from the arena if event management deems necessary.
T
TICKETS
Walk-up tickets can be purchased from the Lakefront Arena box office window located just outside of the Arena entrance. Individual session tickets will go on sale February 1 and can be purchased for $15 for adults and kids ages 3-12 are admitted at $5 per ticket. Children ages 2 and under are admitted at no charge. Tickets can also be purchased through each member institution’s ticket office or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
TICKET UPGRADES & EXPERIENCES
Please contact John Barranco (barranco@sunbeltsports.org) for ticket upgrade opportunities and VIP fan experiences, which includes access to the hospitality suite!
W
WILL-CALL
Fans that have purchased tickets through member institutions may pick up their tickets from that institutions ticket representative who will be staged just inside the main entrance to Lakefront Arena at Ramp 1.
Fans that have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will-call may pick up their tickets from Lakefront Arena box office window which will be open at 10 a.m. each day. Only the person whose name is on the ticket order may pick up the tickets. Photo ID is required for all will-call orders.
UNIVERSITY WILL CALL AND PLAYER WILL CALL
Player Will Call and Will Call for tickets purchased through participating universities will be located on Ramp 4 of Lakefront Arena. Photo ID is required for all will-call pickups.