Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – Things To Do With Your Team
Dedicated to Ernest Morial, New Orleans’ mayor from 1978 to 1986, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is one of the largest convention centers in the United States. Spanning almost 11 blocks, this three million-square-foot complex provides about one million square feet of exhibit space.
The area around the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is bustling with attractions that are sure to entertain your team whenever they aren’t busy with a tournament. Experience a little down-home Louisiana charm while you’re at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Things to Do
Mardi Gras World
It’s only fitting that while you’re in New Orleans, you do something Mardi Gras related. You may not be going to the legendary celebration, but you can learn a lot about it at Mardi Gras World. Embark on an hour-long tour and learn about the history of the holiday and how some of the well-known traditions of Mardi Gras originated.
As you tour Mardi Gras World, you will be able to observe artists working on future parade floats and talk with them. You’ll even be allowed to dress in traditional Mardi Gras attire and try a piece of the famous king cake. There is also an option to make your own Mardi Gras mask if you want. You will gain a lot of insight from this tour about New Orleans’ sacred holiday. Maybe one day you can even go yourself. 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
The National WWII Museum
Only a few blocks away from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, The National WWII Museum is an fascinating attraction to visit. The museum serves as a reminder of the sacrifices the armed forces made in WWII to defend the country and the world. At the museum, you will learn about both campaigns that the U.S forces fought, as well as how the war affected America itself.
When exploring the Arsenal of Democracy exhibit, the home front is the major focus. See how the war caused industry to adapt. Factories once manufacturing products like cars and clothing began to start making tanks and uniforms. WWII transformed the entire economy and helped the U.S. crawl out of the Great Depression. Walk through a 1940s-style home; learn how the media reported on the war and kept the nation informed; and because of how many soldiers were needed to fight, how the armed forces quickly trained new soldiers.
In Road to Tokyo, you will encounter a collection of artifacts gathered from the Pacific campaign; as well learn about the stories of specific soldiers. The museum also recreated the environment that soldiers found themselves in over on the islands of Japan. Here, you can get a firsthand look at the conditions the soldiers had to endure. The exhibit Road to Berlin is designed similar to Road to Tokyo, except that it focuses on the European campaign.
A 4D theater is also located on the premises. Sit down and watch as the U.S. forces storm the beach of Normandy during the infamous D-Day Invasion. Traveling exhibits are also displayed in the museum year-round and rotate every now and again. You and your team will have a new found respect and appreciation for the military’s hardships and sacrifices after visiting The National WWII Museum. 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Lafayette Square
At one time, New Orleans was colonized and owned by the French. Evidence of this fact is littered throughout the city. The iconic fleur-de-lis symbol and the French Quarter are two examples of this. Another example of French influence existing in New Orleans is found only a few blocks from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Lafayette Square is dedicated to the famous French general who aided the colonial forces during the Revolutionary War. Lafayette Square is the second oldest public park in New Orleans. Bring a bagged lunch or get some takeout from a nearby restaurant and lounge around on the park’s well maintained grassy fields. A statue of Lafayette resides in the square as well, honoring the great general. Randomly throughout the day you may also find musicians playing in the park. Take an hour out of your day and enjoy the city views and relaxing atmosphere of Lafayette Square. S Maestri St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Louisiana Children’s Museum
If you are traveling to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with a younger crowd, Louisiana Children’s Museum is a cool spot to check out. The museum has a lot of interesting and exciting exhibits the younger kids will really find amusing.
An entire section is devoted to understanding physics through the use of problem solving games and contraptions. Work with pulleys, incline ramps, and more as you design your own experiments and find out the results. Peek inside machines and observe all of the cogs and parts of the machine working together to function. You can also pretend you are an architect and create your own buildings while working on a drafting board. If you make a masterpiece, you can decide to bring your drawing home with you. Louisiana Children’s Museum provides much more than this, and will be a fun place for your team to learn and play. 420 Julia St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Escape My Room
An escape room with a New Orleans vibe, Escape My Room has two baffling escape rooms to choose from close to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
In Mardi Gras Study, you and your team will be called on by Odette DeLaporte to help her locate a hidden treasure in her study. The catch is you only have 60 minutes to do so.
Jazz Parlor, Escape My Room’s other room, has you teaming up with the police to help solve a murder. Escape My Room has an age requirement of all customers being at least 12 years old. Bring your thinking caps and have some fun at Escape My Room! 633 Constance St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Places to Eat
Cochon Butcher
A restaurant that specializes in gourmet sandwiches, Cochon Butcher serves up a host of tasty combinations between two slices of bread. Stop by for a delicious bacon melt, pastrami sandwich, Cajun pork hotdog, and more. Everyone will be able to find a sandwich at Cochon Butcher that they will enjoy.
Besides being a sandwich shop, Cochon Butcher is also a butcher’s shop. You can order some high quality meats for sandwiches during your trip or just bring some back to have at home. 930 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Wood Pizza Bistro & Taphouse
Wood Pizza Bistro & Taphouse is a great restaurant to grab lunch or dinner during your team’s visit to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. They have homemade pizza made to order all day. You can build your own pizza with whatever toppings you’d like or select one of their specialty pies.
If you’re really hungry, you can get a flatbread, meatballs, or a different appetizer before the pizza arrives. Wood Pizza Bistro & Taphouse also makes sandwiches during lunch hours if you’re not in the mood for pizza. 404 Andrew Higgins, New Orleans, LA 70130
El Gato Negro
If you and your team are craving Mexican while you’re at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, El Gato Negro is the place for you. Their menu is both big and reasonably priced; an awesome combination.
Start off with complimentary chips and salsa and other delicious appetizers, such as stuffed Hass avocado or chipotle agave-glazed shrimp, before moving on to the main course. Many different fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and seafood entrees are available. If you are looking for something on the healthier side, El Gato Negro also offers a few salad options. 800 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Two Chicks Café
Right across the street from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is where you’ll find Two Chicks Café. Because it’s so close to the convention center, it’s the perfect place to get breakfast before you start your day.
Start your day off a little healthier with one of their fruit smoothies or freshly squeezed juices. Two Chicks Café serves up a variety of omelets and even lets you build your own if you’d like something specific. Pancakes, French toast, and crepes are other options you can order for breakfast. During lunchtime, the café makes sandwiches, including a New Orleans classic, the po’ boy. 901 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
See the sights and have some fun while you’re at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This splendid city has attractions and restaurants near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, so you don’t need to venture far out to have a good time. You can stay nearby and still get an authentic taste of New Orleans culture.