The Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) stands as a testament to the rich history of LSU basketball. As the Tigers gear up for their 54th season in this iconic multi-purpose venue in 2024-25, the PMAC continues to resonate with fans and athletes alike. Opened in late 1971, it officially hosted its first men’s basketball game in January 1972, marking the beginning of an era.
For a basketball program with a 116-season legacy, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center represents the longest-tenured official home for LSU. Prior to the PMAC, the Tigers played at the Huey Long Field House, now the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes, and the Ag Center, fondly nicknamed the “Cow Palace” by basketball enthusiasts. The transition to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center was a significant step up for LSU basketball, providing a modern and dedicated space for the growing program.
Even decades later, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center remains a premier venue for college basketball. Its well-maintained portable wood playing surface ensures a high-quality experience for players and an exciting atmosphere for fans. The design and acoustics of the arena contribute to the intense game-day environment that LSU basketball is known for.
[Image of the interior of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center during a basketball game, showcasing the court and fans. Alt text: Exciting basketball game atmosphere inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, home of LSU Tigers.]
Recognizing the need to stay current with modern fan expectations, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center underwent significant upgrades before the 2017-18 season. The installation of massive, state-of-the-art video boards above the court transformed the spectator experience. These giant side and end video boards offer crystal-clear views of game action, instant replays, and vital statistics, ensuring every fan in the arena has an engaging and informative experience. Further demonstrating a commitment to technology and fan entertainment, the video boards were refurbished last season, keeping them at the cutting edge of arena display technology.
Beyond visual enhancements, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center also received upgrades to its lighting system. New, modern lighting capabilities provide superior light intensity, creating a brighter and more dynamic atmosphere for games and events. This improved lighting not only enhances the visual experience for fans in the stands but also benefits players on the court and broadcasts of events.
Continuous improvements have been a hallmark of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center since the LSU Athletic Department assumed full operational control of the facility in 2005, initiating a three-year renovation campaign. In an extraordinary turn of events, 2005 also saw the Pete Maravich Assembly Center gain global recognition as the largest triage unit in history following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Despite this unprecedented event, the athletic department successfully completed the planned renovations in time for the 2005-06 season, reaffirming the building’s role as a central point for LSU men’s basketball and the wider community.
The renovations introduced an interactive concourse area, celebrating the legacy of LSU basketball greats who have graced the Pete Maravich Assembly Center court. This area serves as a walk-through museum, honoring the program’s storied past. Additionally, the project added more restrooms and installed new seating throughout the arena, significantly improving fan comfort and accessibility. These enhancements underscored LSU’s commitment to providing a top-tier experience for everyone visiting the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
[Image of the exterior of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, showing its distinctive architecture. Alt text: Pete Maravich Assembly Center exterior view, a landmark sports and event venue in Baton Rouge.]
Further solidifying its status as a premier athletic facility, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center now includes a dedicated practice facility for both men’s and women’s basketball teams, alongside a modern men’s locker room complex. These additions are crucial for player development and recruitment, ensuring the Pete Maravich Assembly Center remains attractive to top athletes for years to come. The comprehensive facilities within the PMAC support the holistic needs of LSU’s basketball programs.
Like its predecessors in LSU basketball history, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center possesses a unique character. Before settling at the PMAC in the 1971-72 season, the LSU Tigers’ home court history includes the Pavilion on the old LSU campus, the Huey Long Field House Gym Armory (now the Cox Communications Academic Center), and the John M. Parker Agricultural Center. Each venue contributed to the evolving story of LSU basketball, culminating in the establishment of the PMAC as the program’s long-term home.
Originally named the LSU Assembly Center, the building’s name was officially changed during the summer of 1988. Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer signed legislation to rename it the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a tribute to the legendary LSU basketball star Pete Maravich, who tragically passed away earlier that year. This renaming was a fitting honor for a player whose legacy is deeply intertwined with LSU basketball.
While Pete Maravich never played his college games in the Assembly Center, the vision for the building took shape during his electrifying tenure at LSU from 1967-70, when he captivated fans at the “Cow Palace.” Just as Yankee Stadium is known as “The House that Ruth Built,” the Pete Maravich Assembly Center can rightfully be considered “The Palace that Pete Built.” His impact on LSU basketball and the inspiration he provided were instrumental in the creation of this iconic venue.
Beyond basketball, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is also the proud home for LSU’s volleyball, gymnastics, and women’s basketball teams, showcasing its versatility as a multi-purpose facility. The PMAC hosts a wide array of events throughout the year, solidifying its importance not only for LSU Athletics but also for the broader Baton Rouge community as a premier event space.
