The auditorium opened on May 30, 1930. It was designed by Favrot and Livaudais Architects, and constructed by contractor George A. Caldwell. It has hosted many concerts and events, perhaps being best known as the site of many of the New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe balls.

On August 24, 1956, Joe Brown defeated Wallace “Bud” Smith to win the lightweight title in a fifteen-round split decision.

It hosted the New Orleans Buccaneers of the American Basketball Association during the 1969–70 season. It also hosted the New Orleans Jazz basketball team, during its inaugural 1974–1975 season, before the team moved to the Louisiana Superdome. The arena was also home ice to the minor-league hockey franchise, the New Orleans Brass, from 1997 to 1999, before they moved into the New Orleans Arena. It has also hosted LHSAA wrestling and professional wrestling matches.

The venue was a temporary casino before the new Harrah's New Orleans building on Canal Street was opened.

In August 2005 the auditorium suffered damage from Hurricane Katrina and associated flooding (see: Effect of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans). Future usage of the arena is currently uncertain.

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