As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center stands tall as the enduring home of LSU basketball, marking its 54th year as the heart of Tigers hoops. Since opening its doors in late 1971, and hosting its inaugural men’s basketball game in January 1972, this multi-purpose arena has woven itself into the rich tapestry of LSU athletics.
For a basketball program with a storied 116-season history, the venue affectionately known as the PMAC holds the distinction of being its longest-tenured official home. Prior to settling at the Lsu Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the Tigers played at the Huey Long Field House, now repurposed as the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes, and the John M. Parker Agricultural Center. The latter was famously dubbed the “Cow Palace” by basketball enthusiasts.
Even after decades of roaring crowds and thrilling games, the Maravich Center remains a premier basketball venue, centered around its classic portable wood court.
The arena received a significant upgrade before the 2017-18 season with the installation of massive, state-of-the-art video boards at each end and along the sidelines. These impressive additions ensure every fan in the building enjoys crystal-clear views of replays, live action, and game statistics. These boards were further enhanced last season, maintaining their cutting-edge technology to optimally entertain and inform fans during every event at the Maravich Center.
Complementing the visual upgrades, new, modern lighting systems have been implemented, providing superior light intensity, the best the building has ever seen.
Continuous improvements have been a hallmark of the PMAC since a comprehensive three-year renovation campaign began in 2005, coinciding with the LSU Athletic Department assuming full operational control of the facility.
In a memorable year when the building gained global recognition as the largest triage unit in history following Hurricane Katrina, the athletic department successfully completed the renovations in time for the 2005-06 season. This revitalization project effectively re-established the venue as a top-tier showcase for LSU men’s basketball.
The renovations introduced an engaging concourse area that chronicles the legacy of LSU basketball greats who have graced the PMAC court. Furthermore, the addition of more restrooms and brand-new seating throughout the arena elevated the overall fan experience.
Today, the LSU Pete Maravich Assembly Center boasts a dedicated practice facility for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, alongside a state-of-the-art men’s locker room complex. These enhancements solidify the Assembly Center’s appeal to both athletes and fans for many years to come.
The Maravich Assembly Center, in line with the unique character of LSU basketball’s previous homes, possesses its own distinct charm and identity.
Before their move across from Tiger Stadium in the 1971-72 season, the Tigers’ basketball journey included stops at the Pavilion on the old LSU campus, the Huey Long Field House Gym Armory, and the John M. Parker Agricultural Center.
Originally opened as the LSU Assembly Center, the building’s name was officially changed in the summer of 1988. Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer signed legislation to rename it the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a fitting tribute to the LSU legend who tragically passed away earlier that year.
Beyond basketball, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center proudly hosts LSU volleyball, gymnastics, and women’s basketball teams, making it a central hub for LSU Athletics.
While Pete Maravich himself never had the opportunity to play his college games in the Assembly Center, the plans for its construction were conceived during his electrifying tenure at LSU from 1967-70, when he routinely packed the “Cow Palace”. Thus, much like Yankee Stadium is known as “The House that Ruth Built,” the Assembly Center can rightfully be considered “The Palace that Pete Built.”
