Here's the exit that catches first-timers every single time: if your group is coming from the French Quarter, Uptown, or Downtown and heading to UNO Lakefront Arena, there is no Franklin Avenue exit off I-10 eastbound from that direction. The arena's own official directions page says it explicitly. You need to take Elysian Fields Avenue (exit 237), head north to Leon C. Simon Boulevard, turn right, then left on Franklin Avenue at the second light — and the arena is on the right.
Miss that sequence on a concert night with 8,000 people converging on the same street, and you're circling through Gentilly trying to backtrack while your group is already inside. That single navigational wrinkle is exactly why a New Orleans charter bus or party bus rental to UNO Lakefront Arena pays for itself before the show even starts: one vehicle, one route, the approach sorted in advance, and nobody Google-mapping their way through an unfamiliar neighborhood at 7:45 PM.
UNO Lakefront Arena stands at 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122 on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain — roughly 7–8 miles northeast of the French Quarter in the Gentilly neighborhood, on the eastern campus of the University of New Orleans. Opened in 1983 with Lionel Richie performing two consecutive nights, rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina damage with more than $20 million in renovations, and reopened in 2008, the arena seats up to 8,933 and flexes from 3,000 to over 10,000 depending on show configuration. It's home to the New Orleans Privateers basketball programs and a genuine general-purpose entertainment venue — concerts, comedy tours, Disney on Ice, family shows, and UNO graduation ceremonies fill the calendar year-round.
Through Partybusneworleansla.com, comparing charter buses, party buses, and minibuses from a large network of bus companies serving New Orleans takes about 30 seconds. Call 504-552-3110 or start online now.
Why Rent a Charter Bus or Party Bus to UNO Lakefront Arena
UNO Lakefront Arena is not downtown. There's no adjacent transit hub, no French Quarter Uber staging area a block over, and no dense parking garage grid to absorb 8,000 people leaving at once. What there is: a free grass lot, a two-lane Franklin Avenue, and a residential neighborhood on the other side of it.
After a sold-out show, that lot drains slowly, and rideshare availability in Gentilly at 10:30 PM is not what it is on Bourbon Street. Surge pricing kicks in, wait times spike, and groups that arrived in separate cars are now standing on Franklin Avenue staring at their phones, unable to agree on where to meet. Every New Orleans charter bus or party bus rental to UNO Lakefront Arena solves this the same way: your group arrives together, the bus parks in the free surrounding lot during the event, and the bus is right there when you walk out — no surge, no scatter, no one left waiting on a stranger's ETA.
The arena's Gentilly location also means first-time visitors regularly underestimate how different the approach is from the Superdome or Smoothie King Center, both of which sit in the downtown corridor with multiple freeway-visible approach options. UNO Lakefront Arena requires a specific sequence of exits and turns that changes depending on which direction you're coming from. A bus moving a group of 20 or 40 people through that sequence once — confirmed in advance, not discovered on the fly — is a material quality-of-night difference.
See the New Orleans sporting event party bus rental page for the full group-travel picture on Privateers game days, and the New Orleans concert transportation page for what the bus network covers on show nights.
Charter Bus & Party Bus Drop-Off at UNO Lakefront Arena
The main public entrance to UNO Lakefront Arena is on the west side of the building. The free parking lot wraps around the arena's grounds — so a charter bus or party bus pulls directly into that lot and stages close to the west entrance while the group walks in. The arena's official directions page offers one of the most useful staging tips for event arrivals: "If you are familiar with Lakeview and Gentilly, use Lakeshore Drive and enter the Lakefront Arena grounds from the lake side and you'll miss majority of the traffic on your arrival," per the official UNO Lakefront Arena directions page.
For a charter bus on a sold-out night, that lakeside approach via Lakeshore Drive bypasses the Franklin Avenue congestion bottleneck entirely and delivers the bus directly onto the grounds with the lot immediately accessible.
Parking at UNO Lakefront Arena
Parking at UNO Lakefront Arena is free for all vehicles on event nights, with parking attendants directing traffic in the lot. The lot is a large grass field surrounding the 90-acre grounds — which means there's genuine room for oversized vehicles without the tight urban geometry of a downtown arena wedged into a city block. One caveat worth planning around: after heavy rain, the grass lot can get soft and muddy.
New Orleans sees regular rainfall, and if your group has an event following a wet stretch, the walk from the bus to the entrance may be through damp ground. For groups in formal attire — graduation ceremonies, certain concerts — it's worth checking the recent weather and planning footwear accordingly.
Because there are no published day-of parking fees at UNO Lakefront Arena for standard events, a charter bus parking in that lot during the show is one less cost in the per-person calculation. The bus waits, the group is inside, and when the event ends the bus is right there rather than staged at a remote lot requiring a shuttle transfer or a long walk through a darkened residential street.
The approach that beats the traffic: Enter UNO Lakefront Arena grounds via Lakeshore Drive from the north — the arena's own recommendation for avoiding Franklin Avenue congestion on arrival. The free surrounding lot is right there, and the bus stages close to the west-side entrance throughout the event. No remote lot, no shuttle, no fee.
Getting to UNO Lakefront Arena: Routes & Timing
Every route into UNO Lakefront Arena eventually puts you on Franklin Avenue — but how you reach Franklin Avenue is completely different depending on which direction you're traveling. The approach that works from Metairie does not work from Downtown. Here are the three distinct routes, straight from the arena's official directions page.
From Downtown, French Quarter & Uptown
Take I-10 East toward Slidell and exit at Elysian Fields Avenue (exit 237). Head north on Elysian Fields to Leon C. Simon Boulevard, turn right, proceed to the second traffic light — that's Franklin Avenue — and turn left. UNO Lakefront Arena is on the right.
The arena's directions explicitly note: "there is NO Franklin Avenue exit off the I-10 from Downtown." That means any attempt to use a GPS route that shows a direct Franklin Avenue exit from I-10 eastbound will send you somewhere wrong. From the French Quarter, this route covers roughly 7–8 miles and runs 15–25 minutes without event traffic — budget 30–45 minutes on a sold-out night.
From Metairie, Kenner & Points West
Take I-10 East to I-610 toward Slidell, exit at Franklin Avenue (exit 4), turn left, and drive approximately 2.5 miles to the arena. The I-610 routing does have a Franklin Avenue exit coming from the west — unlike the I-10 eastbound approach from downtown, which doesn't. From Metairie, the total distance runs about 10–14 miles, typically 20–30 minutes off-peak.
From Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in Kenner, budget roughly 11–13 miles and 20–30 minutes under normal conditions.
From the East (Slidell, Mississippi) & the Westbank
From the East on I-10 West: exit at Franklin Avenue (exit 238A), turn right, and continue approximately 2.5 miles to the arena. From the Westbank: cross the Crescent City Connection to I-10 East, exit at Elysian Fields Avenue (exit 237), and follow the Downtown approach above. Groups traveling from Gulfport, Slidell, or the Mississippi Gulf Coast have a clean I-10 run with the Franklin Avenue exit clearly marked heading westbound.
From Baton Rouge, the drive is roughly 80 miles via I-10 East, approximately 1.5 hours.
Approximate drive times from common pickup points (pre-event traffic):
| From… | Approx. distance | Typical drive (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter / Downtown New Orleans | ~7–8 miles | 15–25 minutes |
| Metairie | ~10–14 miles | 20–30 minutes |
| Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) | ~11–13 miles | 20–30 minutes |
| Kenner | ~14–17 miles | 25–35 minutes |
| Gulfport, Mississippi | ~75–80 miles | ~1.5 hours |
| Baton Rouge | ~80 miles | ~1.5 hours |
Those off-peak estimates grow quickly on event nights, especially post-show when all lots drain onto Franklin Avenue simultaneously. A bus staged in the free lot and already committed to a departure window lets your group load and roll out during the first clear break in traffic rather than standing on a Gentilly sidewalk waiting for a rideshare that's 18 minutes away.
What Bus Fits Your Group at UNO Lakefront Arena
UNO Lakefront Arena is a mid-size venue — the sweet spot for party buses and minibuses. The free lot and 90-acre grounds mean there's no impossible parking situation like a downtown arena wedged between office towers, and the flexible capacity range (3,000–10,000 depending on setup) means the crowd size varies significantly by event. For a Disney on Ice weekend, you're moving families with young kids; for a Privateers basketball game, it might be a college alumni group of 20; for a touring R&B concert, it could be 50 people coming in from Baton Rouge. Partybusneworleansla.com connects you to a full range of vehicles through the New Orleans network, so the size you get is the size you actually need.
| Vehicle | Typical seats | Best for | Key amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-passenger Sprinter limo / Sprinter van | Up to ~14 | Small group for a comedy show, corporate group, double-date concert night | Premium leather, USB charging, tinted privacy windows |
| Party bus (25–50 passengers) | ~15–50 | Birthday groups, bachelorette nights anchored at a show, large fan groups wanting a lively ride in | Color-changing LED lighting, premium Bluetooth sound, flat-panel TVs, perimeter seating |
| 15–35 passenger minibus | ~15–35 | Corporate outings, family groups, alumni groups, mid-size fan groups | Reclining seats, powerful A/C, overhead storage, greater maneuverability on residential streets |
| 40–56 passenger charter bus | Up to 56 | Large groups, long-distance runs from Baton Rouge or Gulfport, school and university groups | Reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, deep undercarriage bays |
For groups coming from outside the metro — Baton Rouge on a Privateers game night, a Gulfport group for a touring concert — a full-size charter bus with onboard restrooms handles the round-trip on I-10 without roadside stops. For groups already staying in New Orleans, a minibus or a 25-passenger party bus handles the 15–25 minute hop from the French Quarter to Franklin Avenue and back without excess capacity. ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — note the need in your quote request and build in lead time before the event date.
UNO Lakefront Arena Party Bus & Charter Bus Rental Prices
Pricing for a New Orleans party bus or charter bus rental to UNO Lakefront Arena moves with vehicle size, total hours, date, and your pickup location. To give you a planning idea: a minibus on a weekday generally runs in the $200–$250/hour range, with weekend rates around $200–$275/hour. A 25-passenger party bus on a weekend typically falls between $275–$375/hour.
A full charter bus runs roughly $200–$350/hour. These are planning ranges, not quotes — actual pricing depends on your specific date, headcount, and what's available through the network when you request.
Because parking at UNO Lakefront Arena is free, there's no separate vehicle parking charge to factor in the way there is at some venues. A 40-passenger party bus running for 4 hours at around $350/hour comes to roughly $1,400 total — call it $35 per person if the bus is full. Once your group passes a few carloads, the per-head math usually tilts toward one bus, one bill, and zero parking scramble.
For a full breakdown of what shapes the rate in New Orleans, see the New Orleans party bus prices page. Or call 504-552-3110 any time for pricing in about 30 seconds — no account needed, no obligation.
Events That Pack UNO Lakefront Arena
New Orleans Privateers Basketball
The New Orleans Privateers men's and women's basketball programs call UNO Lakefront Arena home through the Southland Conference season, which typically runs November through February or March depending on tournament play. The men's program holds an all-time home record of 343–113 (.752) at the venue — a number that tells you fans have been packing Franklin Avenue for decades. For alumni groups, student sections, and out-of-town fans traveling in from Baton Rouge or Gulfport for a conference matchup, coordinating a charter bus solves the group-travel logistics cleanly.
Historically, the arena's highest attendance was 9,750 for a game against Arizona — and on those big nights, the Franklin Avenue post-game situation is much more manageable when the bus is already staged and waiting. Check the official Privateers arena page for the current home schedule.
Concerts, Comedy Shows & Family Events
Between basketball seasons, UNO Lakefront Arena books touring concerts, comedy lineups, and family productions year-round. Past touring shows have included major R&B and gospel tours, blues concerts, large-scale comedy events, and family productions like Disney on Ice (which has run multi-day spring schedules at the arena). These are the kinds of events where groups book 30 tickets together and then spend the pre-show week texting about who's getting there how — a problem a single New Orleans concert bus rental eliminates in one step.
Check the official UNO Lakefront Arena events page for the current full calendar before you lock in dates.
For long-distance groups traveling in for a specific concert or comedy show, lock in vehicle availability as soon as the event date is confirmed. New Orleans weekends can run multiple arena-scale events simultaneously — the right-size bus for your group goes to whoever books first.
What Every Group Should Know Before Visiting UNO Lakefront Arena
- Clear bag policy is in effect for all events. Each person may bring one clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ × 6″ × 12″ — or a one-gallon clear resealable freezer bag — plus one small clutch no larger than 5″ × 7″. Backpacks, opaque bags, large purses, pro-grade cameras, and recording devices are not permitted. Anything prohibited needs to go back to the vehicle before entry — plan for this, especially with a large group at a busy gate.
- Parking is free but the lot is grass. After heavy rainfall — which is routine in New Orleans — the grass lot around the arena can get soft and muddy. For events following a wet stretch, factor in the ground conditions if your group is dressed formally.
- There is no Franklin Avenue exit off I-10 eastbound from downtown. The arena's official directions say it plainly. From the French Quarter and Uptown, the correct exit is Elysian Fields Avenue (exit 237). Building this into the approach in advance keeps the group from circling through Gentilly on event night.
- Lakeshore Drive is the low-traffic arrival route. The arena itself recommends entering the grounds from the lake side via Lakeshore Drive to skip the Franklin Avenue arrival congestion. This is the approach to request when you have a bus coming in on a busy event night.
- Group tickets are available per event. UNO Lakefront Arena handles group pricing on a show-by-show basis. The arena box office line, (504) 280-7171, handles group ticket availability for a specific event.
- Verify current event policies before you arrive. Bag rules and specific security procedures can vary by show. Check the official UNO Lakefront Arena website or reach the arena at (504) 280-7171 with questions about your specific event before game night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Bus to UNO Lakefront Arena
Where does a charter bus or party bus drop off at UNO Lakefront Arena?
The main public entrance is on the west side of the arena. The free surrounding grass lot gives charter buses and party buses a place to pull in close to that entrance. The arena's own directions page recommends approaching from Lakeshore Drive on the north side of the grounds — entering the campus from the lake side lets you access the lot without traveling the length of Franklin Avenue during event-night congestion.
For specific large-event staging arrangements, contact the arena directly at (504) 280-7171 or Arena@UNO.edu before your date.
Where do buses park at UNO Lakefront Arena?
The free grass lot surrounding the arena's 90-acre grounds accommodates oversized vehicles. There's no separate published charter bus lot or dedicated oversized-vehicle zone on the arena's website — for specific parking logistics for your event, contact the arena directly in advance. Parking is attended on event nights, so staff on site can direct the bus to the appropriate area on arrival.
How do I get from the French Quarter to UNO Lakefront Arena?
Take I-10 East toward Slidell and exit at Elysian Fields Avenue (exit 237) — not Franklin Avenue, which has no eastbound exit off I-10 from the downtown direction. Head north on Elysian Fields to Leon C. Simon Boulevard, turn right, then left on Franklin Avenue at the second traffic light. The arena is on the right.
The drive covers roughly 7–8 miles and runs 15–25 minutes without event traffic.
How much does a party bus or charter bus rental to UNO Lakefront Arena cost?
Pricing depends on vehicle size, total hours, date, and pickup location. To give you a planning range: minibuses generally run $200–$275/hour on weekends; a 25-passenger party bus typically falls in the $275–$375/hour range on weekends; a full-size charter bus runs roughly $200–$350/hour. These are estimates — your actual quote from the Partybusneworleansla.com network comes back in about 30 seconds online or at 504-552-3110.
See the New Orleans party bus prices page for a fuller breakdown of what shapes the rate.
Is parking free at UNO Lakefront Arena?
Yes — parking in the surrounding grass lot is free on event nights, with attendants directing traffic. No published fee applies to standard events. The lot is grass, which can get muddy after heavy rain — worth noting if your group has a show following a wet few days in New Orleans.
Can a charter bus get to UNO Lakefront Arena from Baton Rouge or Gulfport?
Yes — long-haul runs are common to the arena for concerts and Privateers basketball games. From Baton Rouge, it's roughly 80 miles on I-10 East, about 1.5 hours. From Gulfport, the run is similar in distance and time via I-10 West.
A 56-passenger charter bus with onboard restrooms handles that kind of round-trip comfortably for large groups. Partybusneworleansla.com can match you with available vehicles through the New Orleans network — call 504-552-3110 for pricing on your specific route and date.
What is the clear bag policy at UNO Lakefront Arena?
A clear bag policy is in effect at all events. Each guest may carry one clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ × 6″ × 12″ (or a one-gallon clear resealable freezer bag), plus one small clutch no larger than 5″ × 7″. Backpacks, opaque bags, pro-grade cameras, and recording devices are prohibited.
All guests are subject to a security search at entry — give your group a heads-up in advance so nobody's holding up the line at the gate.
How far in advance should I book a bus to UNO Lakefront Arena?
For most events, two to four weeks of lead time is workable. For high-demand weekends — major touring concerts, UNO graduation, Disney on Ice multi-day runs, or any date when another New Orleans venue is also running a big event — book as soon as your date is confirmed. The right vehicle goes to the first group that locks it in.
Call 504-552-3110 to check what's available for your specific date.
What transit options exist to UNO Lakefront Arena if we don't rent a bus?
RTA bus service (including Route 57, Franklin–Freret) serves the Franklin Avenue corridor with the nearest stop within walking distance of the arena. There is no rail connection directly to the venue — every transit option from downtown requires at least one transfer or a walk segment. Rideshare is available but supply in Gentilly post-event is limited compared to downtown New Orleans, and surge pricing after sold-out shows is a genuine variable.
A private charter bus or party bus is the only option that picks your group up at one door and brings them back to the same door with no transfers and no surge calculation.
How to Rent a Bus to UNO Lakefront Arena
Getting pricing takes about a minute through Partybusneworleansla.com. Fill out the quick online form with your group size, pickup address, event date, and how many hours you'll need — or call 504-552-3110 any time to compare options with a support team. Pricing and available vehicles from the New Orleans network come back in roughly 30 seconds, with no account required and no obligation to book.
Once you've found the right vehicle and price, locking it in secures the bus for your date.
A few things to have ready when you request: your headcount, your hotel or pickup address in New Orleans, the event name and date at UNO Lakefront Arena, and a rough window for how long you'll need the vehicle — including arrival time before the show and any post-event stops. For groups flying into Louis Armstrong International Airport before heading out to Franklin Avenue, the MSY airport transportation guide covers how group pickup from the terminal works before the arena run. And if UNO Lakefront Arena is part of a New Orleans weekend that also includes a stop at the Superdome or Smoothie King Center, Partybusneworleansla.com can put together multi-stop itineraries — the Caesars Superdome guide and the Smoothie King Center guide cover the drop-off and parking logistics at both.
Check the official UNO Lakefront Arena events calendar to confirm your show details before you call. The arena is at 6801 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122 — and now you know exactly how to get there. Call 504-552-3110 or use the online tool to get your group's pricing, and leave the Elysian Fields–Leon C. Simon–Franklin Avenue sequence to the bus.
